Abstract: A computer control program directs a method whereby a computer reads a data entry record group from a data stream, wherein the data entry record group comprises one or more data entry records containing a key field containing an item. A key number representing the total number of key fields in the data entry record group is tallied, and a marker that allows for locating, and determining the size of, the data entry record group within the stream of data is recorded. The computer converts each item of the data entry record group to fixed length coded equivalence called an item indicator, and converts the item indicators to a fixed length coded equivalence called a signature. The computer creates a partial index record for each signature, and updates a combination cross-reference file and a raw data index, thereby classifying the data to allow for subsequent searching by persistent fast search methods.