Finder not locating files after re-indexing everything

Hi there departedsoles,

If Finder and Spotlight are not able to be searched reliably, the first thing we would recommend is updating your Mac to the latest version of macOS, which is Monterey 12.6.2. This installs feature enhancements and bug fixes that can resolve unexpected behavior like this.

Please back up your Mac before updating: Back up your Mac

These steps from Update macOS on Mac show how:

Before installing new software, it's a good idea to back up your Mac.

1. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen:

• Choose System Settings. Then click General in the sidebar, and Software Update on the right.

• Or choose System Preferences. Then click Software Update.

2. If Software Update finds new software, click the Update Now or Upgrade Now button to install it.

3. Enter your administrator password, if asked. During installation, your Mac might restart, and you might see a progress bar or blank screen several times.

If this continues to occur after updating, then Apple Support would be best equipped to look into this further. They can be reached here: Get Support

Take care!

It might help to tell us the names (with file extension) of some of the files that you can't find. If you use Time Machine, you can also try searching some of the backups there. Many files that I myself have trouble finding are the result of memory failure on the part of me. What I mean is that the file "can't be found" because I have asked the computer to find a search string that could not possibly match the file that I seek. It hurts for me to admit this, but I estimate I am not the only person who has done this.

Try thinking of previously unsought characteristics of the files you seek, and search for those.

Sometimes other apps can help: EasyFind.app is not in the AppStore, but is free, and I have found it useful.

Sorry for this question, but when you use Spotlight, do you scroll all the way to the very bottom of the window showing what Spotlight has found? I have found things I thought Spotlight had overlooked there, grouped by file type.