Searching in custom database fields

[snugRugBug]

The pages application is quite nice, but the fact that custom fields are ignored by IPS search really hinders the usefulness of the application. I'm currently trying to build an improved search engine myself, but it is quite a gargantuan task for a guy like me. Are there any plans for improving the search functionality in future IPS releases?

[Hawkesburycouple]

Have found the same.  We get a constant stream of complaints from our members complaining about how useless it is trying to search for other members by Post Code, Location or Interest etc all of which are custom fields we use.   It used to be very good in version 3 and all our members liked it using it often. The search provided in the Admin CP is good also, pretty much how the search was in version 3.  The current Member search as it is at the present time was a big step backward.  With most of the complaints we are often asked why can we not go back to how it was.  

We Wonder why they have restricted the Member Search they way they have for the general membership but have it available to Admin only.  We can not see why the general membership could not have the same search options available.  If it is already in place for admin surely it would not take that much to make the same search options available to all.

[snugRugBug]

I've contacted support and they let me know that it's not possible to search in custom fields. They could not tell me when this problem will be addressed. So I guess we'll have to make our own Frankenstein workarounds for the time being. I can't help but feel a little disappointed.