On a Windows-System, there’s always the problem howto organize your files and how to find them lateron. On Linux-Systems there are two little - but helpful - tools: locate and find. Both are not available for windows - afaik.
There are two possiblities for getting a similar program for your Windows system:
Google Desktop Search
Microsofts Windows Desktop Search
I’ve decided to use the latter. So I downloaded it here.
After the installation, you have to index your files. This process lasts somewhat like several hours (depending on the number of your files). After this, you will get an input-box on your taskbar, in order to enter your search-terms. Because of the database-based system, you get your answer quite quickly.
I chose one option: “Index Properties and File Contents”
This way, the indexing-process needs more time, but you can also search the content of your files.
Conclusion: Windows Desktop Search is a very usable function, for finding your files, even if they are not very well-structured.
BTW: “database-based systems” sounds quite strange - but, whateva :-)