Is there a File to access saved info easily?

[The Mighty Boosh]

I'm looking for a file or method that lets me write info to it, like say a person's name or age, and then access it easily without having a program search the entire file.

I first started with a text file, but I found that to be very annoying when searching for info. I was thinking a .ini file, but I have no idea how to have the program read/write/search in it.

I found a header file that would let me do that, but when I tried to put it in a header file, it came up with errors. I believe it was made using VC++ 6, but I'm using VS 2010.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!