Guys, the search bar, go use it!

This step-by-step guide will teach you how to use the search bar like a pro instead of posting the n+1th thread about the same thing, that has been answered/discussed countless times before.

Purpose of this guide

I created this guide, because I see people every day, who post the same question/idea/"thing" that has been already discussed countless times before. After reading this guide, you will be able to use the search bar like a pro, and you won't think about starting a new discussion, unless it's really necessary. Although this guide was created with PAYDAY 2 players in mind, thanks to the universal use of the search bar, you can use your gained knowledge in ANY forum.

Step 1 - Open the Steam Community Forums

Like I said earlier, thanks to the multifunctional use of the search bar, you can open ANY Steam Forum and use it. However just for the presentation, we will use the PAYDAY 2 forums.

Step 2 - Search for something

I hope you are still with me, because this is the part, where things get interesting. I know that your instinct would tell you to click on the blue "Start a New Discussion" button, but you have to be stronger! Defeat that urge and instead click into the search bar and type whatever you'd type as your discussion's title, then press the "Enter" key or click on the magnifying glass icon.



IMPORTANT! Make sure to always use general expressions, because that will always bring up more results. e.g.: Don't search for "payday 2 download goes up to 9 MB/s then down to 0 kbytes/s", because not everyone has the same connection as you. Instead use "slow download", "slow update", "update problem", "download problem" expressions, because those will return with a good answer.

Step 3 - Filter your search

You have almost mastered using the search bar, however there is one more important thing left: You can filter your search.


As you can see on the included picture, you have a wide-range of options to choose from.
You can search for results by "Relevance" and by "Time".
If you are looking for something that needs to be as recent as possible and you want to avoid to necro a 2 year old thread, I recommend using the "Time" setting.
You can also limit (or not) your search to a certain subforum and set whether or not you want to see deleted posts.

Step 4 - End of the training

Congratulations!
You probably now grasp the basics of using the search bar. There is only one thing left to do: Go out into the wild and PRACTICE! Hone your skills and master the usage of the search bar! Nothing can stop you now!

Credits, Afterwords

Credits:
Original idea: me
Guide was created by: me
The pictures in this guide were used with my own agreement.
I'd like to thank to my family and friends who were beside me, always supporting me, while I wrote this guide. It has been a tough ride, but we made it!

Afterwords:
If you found this guide useful, please give it a 5 star rating and add it to your favorites. It really helps me a lot, thanks! Also feel free to share this guide to those who are in need of proper help!

[Sargon Aelther]

Follow this guide, then watch every, including Valve, lose their mind about "Necro".

Forums having both "No Necro" and "Search before you post" rules is one of the dumbest ideas ever. Pick one, not both.

[󰀉tempeh󰀉]

I've tried following this guide, but it isn't working for me. I've done some research, and it appears my problem originates from step 2. As you suggested, I have clicked on the search bar, typed what I would type as my discussion's title, and then pressed enter. Unfortunately, "does ne1 noe?" does not return the results I am looking for. Please advise.

[DYRT]

Can you make a guide for how to use a guide?

[Seal]

Why haven't I added this to my favourites yet?

[Retrolicious]

lel can't rate the guide and thumbs up, because "you don't own the game".
Last time i checked search bar was not a game.
Steam is retarded as usual.

[Bad Behavior Defender]

Instruction unclear, ended up on google search. I am now on 50 government watchlist for ''how to rob a government's weapon train''.

[Roloca]

@Locke: Fo' sho'

[Seal]

@Roloca

@Hex sees someone posting a thread that has been discussed to death already YOU AC'D DUM

[Roloca]

@Retro Raider I have no control over where my guide is being posted but then I guess that L4D players are unable to use the search bar too?

[Crowbaria]

Your guide is being used in the l4d forums yet it's a guide for payday
Lmao