Why this result?

[terrypin]

I searched with Richard*.jpg
but got many irrelevant hits containing strings like CliffRichard etc, so I changed to
Richard*.jpg !Cliff

But why has that not removed those unwanted hits please?

Same using *Richard*.jpg !Cliff

[void]

What search terms are enabled under the Search menu?

Please make sure Regex is disabled under the Search menu.

Please try disabling Match whole filename when using wildcards:

• In Everything, from the Tools menu, click Options.
• Click the Search tab on the left.
• Uncheck Match whole filename when using wildcards.
• Click OK.

Does the issue persist?

[terrypin]

EDIT: Sorted. But only after I decided to show you a third screenshot, and spotted the mistake. As you see it turns out to be downloaded files with wrong spelling: CiffRichard??

Nothing wrong with Everything!