A method for detecting packet data transmission following an inactive period of a transmitter. The method includes using a dynamic acquisition search window which grows from an initial width (determined by the size of the corresponding standard search window prior to entering the inactive period) up to a maximum width (for example, the width of a full cell) in correspondence with the length of time that the transmitter is in the inactive state. The method is particularly directed to a mobile transmitter having active and inactive periods. The method according to the present invention is also useful relative to streaming data, such as voice, including a plurality of multipath components.