Alfred 4 Not finding specific files on my computer

[Xander]

My issue is similar to this closed thread:

https://www.alfredforum.com/topic/7278-alfred-not-finding-files-on-my-computer/

 

There is one file in particular that will not show up in my search. The files in the same folder are still searchable.

I've followed the directions in help to go through the settings of Alfred in where it looks for files.

 

Any ideas on troubleshooting further?

[Vero]

 

@Xander Welcome to the forum.

 

Could you please provide more details as you haven't given any details about your particular case:

 

- When you drag the file you're referring to into Alfred's Troubleshooting tool, what's the output? (Please paste the full output in your reply)
- Could you let me know what file type it is and exactly what you're typing into Alfred to find it?
- Can Alfred find this file on your Mac when typing "open" followed by your search term?
 

The more information you provide about your individual case, the more likely we'll be able to help.

 

Cheers,
Vero

[Xander]

Hi, the file name is Expenses 2021 and it is a .xslx document. I normally use my custom hotkey (cmd + spacebar) to open Alfred and then type "find or open"  using the exact name Expenses 2021.

 

I tried other keywords as well such as:

• 2021 Expenses
• Expenses
• 2021
• Expenses 202

When I type the any of the words above every other file in the particular folder comes in the search box.
 

Here is the troubleshoot data below:
Starting Diagnostics...

File: 'Expenses 2021.xlsx'
Path: '/Users/Google Drive/Finances'

-----------------------------------------------------------

Check file cache database...

✅ File cache integrity is ok

-----------------------------------------------------------

Check if file is readable...

✅ Alfred has permissions to read this file.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Check if volume '/' is indexed by macOS...

✅ Indexing is enabled on this drive

-----------------------------------------------------------

Check direct file metadata...

⚠️ Direct metadata is missing, this file is likely not indexed by macOS

Display Name: 
 Other Names: 
Content Type: 
   Last Used: 

-----------------------------------------------------------

Check mdls file metadata...

❌ macOS metadata missing essential items

kMDItemFSContentChangeDate = (null)
kMDItemFSCreationDate      = (null)
kMDItemFSCreatorCode       = ""
kMDItemFSFinderFlags       = (null)
kMDItemFSHasCustomIcon     = (null)
kMDItemFSInvisible         = 0
kMDItemFSIsExtensionHidden = (null)
kMDItemFSIsStationery      = (null)
kMDItemFSLabel             = (null)
kMDItemFSName              = (null)
kMDItemFSNodeCount         = (null)
kMDItemFSOwnerGroupID      = (null)
kMDItemFSOwnerUserID       = (null)
kMDItemFSSize              = (null)
kMDItemFSTypeCode          = ""

-----------------------------------------------------------

❌ Troubleshooting failed


Let me know if you need be to do anything else.

Edited August 31, 2021 by Xander

[deanishe]

5 hours ago, Xander said:

Check mdls file metadata...

❌ macOS metadata missing essential items

kMDItemFSContentChangeDate = (null)
kMDItemFSCreationDate      = (null)
kMDItemFSCreatorCode       = ""
kMDItemFSFinderFlags       = (null)
kMDItemFSHasCustomIcon     = (null)
kMDItemFSInvisible         = 0
kMDItemFSIsExtensionHidden = (null)
kMDItemFSIsStationery      = (null)
kMDItemFSLabel             = (null)
kMDItemFSName              = (null)

 

macOS hasn't indexed the file, so it can't be found via a search.

 

5 hours ago, Xander said:

Path: '/Users/alexandernamin/Google Drive/Finances'

 

Please see the Google Drive thread (TL;DR: Google Drive doesn't work with Spotlight/Alfred, and it's Google's fault):

 

 

[Xander]

Thank you! I fixed my issue using the thread you posted. My file is now searchable.