Microsoft Knowledge Base

The information in this article applies to:

• The Microsoft Network versions 1.0, 1.05, 1.2, 1.3

SUMMARY

This article describes how to use wildcard characters when you use the Find command to search for information on MSN, The Microsoft Network.

MORE INFORMATION

The Find feature locates only information matching the exact word you type. For example, if you type "art," the Find feature does not locate "arts" or "artist."

To locate variations of a word, you can use the wildcard characters "*" and "?". Use "?" as a wildcard for one character. Use "*" as a wildcard for no, one, or multiple characters. For example:

• "art?" finds "arts" and "arty" but not "artist."
• "art*" finds "art," "arts," "artist," and any other word beginning with "art."

• You can use "*" only at the end of a search string. For example, "*art" is not valid. The Find feature ignores the "*" character and finds only "art."
• Multiple instances of the "*" character are treated as a single instance.
• When the "*" character is followed by another character or wildcard, every character after "*" is ignored. For example, "ar*s" and "ar*?" are the same as "ar*."

• You can place the "?" anywhere in a search string except the beginning. For example, "ar?s" is valid, but "?art" is not. If you search for "?art," the Find feature ignores the "?" character and locates only "art."
• You can use more than one "?" character in a search string.
• You cannot search for "?" alone. You will receive the error message "Letter or number required."

REFERENCES

For additional information about the Find command, see the "Find" topic in MSN Help.