searching with AND doesn't work

[tim.h]

I really would like to search the immense knowledge found in old posts, but if I don't know how to search for specific information I need to ask again.

Using AND in the search term box seems to have no effect. Searching is extremely frustrating when you get so many results. Am I doing it wrong?

 

[baiyoke]

I don't know. But I have allways had problems with search function, even when I know the name of the thread I look for, too many threads pop up... And even more if it's something inside a post...

Sometimes it has helped me, when searching only on DB through google advanced search...

 

[tim.h]

Sometimes it has helped me, when searching only on DB through google advanced search...

oh hadn't thought of that. an excellent idea, thanks!

 

[bobdonny]

if you search for "and" in the search box you will return any post that has and in it... this would be crazy and cause stress on the server.

Give an example of the search string you want to use and we can see if there is a better way to try

 

[tim.h]

not searching for the word "and" but the boolean operator. should return results with both terms. I don't want results with just one because this gives me far too many results, mostly irrelevant.

"O2 headache" for example.

 

[bobdonny]

Ah gotcha!

There should be an option for a boolean search, but its not available here, possibly due to lack of use previously or optimisation.

I'll ask Stephen to comment.

 

[diddavetellyou]

Hi tim.h,

I thought that if you put a term in inverted commas "O2 headache" It searched for the phrase as a whole?

Most people get a bit lazy at using proper search punctuation and functions with Google being as efficient as it is.

Hope this helps but google advanced search sounds like an acceptable option


Diddavetellyou

__________________

Have drybag will travel.

 

[bobdonny]

Hi tim.h,

I thought that if you put a term in inverted commas "O2 headache" It searched for the phrase as a whole?

It does but it won't return "headache from o2" or "o2 induced headache"

Think that's what the OP is referring to?

 

[diddavetellyou]

Most people get a bit lazy at using proper search punctuation and functions

that is a correct i forgot that rule (point in case)


Diddavetellyou

__________________

Have drybag will travel.

 

[tim.h]

It does but it won't return "headache from o2" or "o2 induced headache"

Think that's what the OP is referring to?

Indeed. I use google now. It does the job.

eg. 'co2 headache site:forums.deeperblue.com' will give me what I want.

 

[Stephan Whelan]

The search functionality is unfortunately limited by how well it is designed by the 3rd party who created the forums. It isn't perfect. There are other solutions to improve the search but cost a lot of money which we can't afford.

I'll see if I can draw up some guidelines and instructions on best use of search.