Start>Search doesn't work (weird one)

[BigandSlimey]

If I try to open a search using Start Menu>Search, the search window doesn't open. I don't get an hourglass or anything, it's as if the computer is ignoring my command.

All other buttons on the Start menu open correctly.

I can search if I press the "Search" button on the toolbar of an already open explorer window (i.e. My Computer).

Rebooting doesn't help.


Doesn't impair me much, but it's annoying.

Any ideas?

 

[oynaz]

Try a checkdisk, you might have corrupted files.

 

[BigandSlimey]

Ok, thanks, I'll try that.

 

[BigandSlimey]

No problems detected, did a proper boot-time chkdsk /f /r

The only thing I can think of is to reinstall the core windows files, booting from the XP CD and running the recovery programs.

 

[sieistganzfett]

after reading all three of the problems you listed (if these all apply to this same computer), i agree with reinstalling windows, your mp10 locks up/sound card problems, search does nothing... reinstall windows and check for viruses and spyware once you are up and running in a clean install. a virus/spyware and/or corruption could be causing all three problems.

 

[xtknight]

Hmm. Tough problem...

You know how there are other items under that Search menu? Do they work?

 

[shawn130c]

Here try this, i got it from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs2.htm

Question: Why doesn't Search work?

Open Explorer and go to the Windows\inf folder. Locate the srchasst.inf file. Right click it and select Install. You'll need your XP CD or the files from the i386 folder. (This fix will require you to have your Win XP CD).

The Windows\inf folder is a hidden folder. You can adjust your Explorer Folder Options (View tab) to Show hidden files and folders. You can also click Start, Run and enter %SystemRoot%\inf to open directly to the inf folder.

 

[BadThad]

Originally posted by: shawn130c
Here try this, i got it from http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs2.htm

Question: Why doesn't Search work?

Open Explorer and go to the Windows\inf folder. Locate the srchasst.inf file. Right click it and select Install. You'll need your XP CD or the files from the i386 folder. (This fix will require you to have your Win XP CD).

The Windows\inf folder is a hidden folder. You can adjust your Explorer Folder Options (View tab) to Show hidden files and folders. You can also click Start, Run and enter %SystemRoot%\inf to open directly to the inf folder.

Interesting, I'd like to know if this works for him.

My first reaction to this post is malware infestation. I've seen malware corrupt the Explorer search function. I'd like to see a hijackthis log for the system.

 

[BigandSlimey]

Thanks for your respones, I ditched that install and started again. Repairing the install wasn't successful.

I'm sure it wasn't malware/viruses because the first things I install are antivirus/spybot/spywareblaster and I run weekly/monthly scans in Task Scheduler. I think I caused this problem by deleting some system files, this might have happened because I use "Total Uninstaller" to uninstall programs.

 

[Slikkster]

Do a System File Check on your system. It will replace any missing system files without requiring an reinstall. Have your XP CD handy and in the cdrom. (exit out of the XP CD Install screen when it comes up).

Ok, with the CD in your CDROM, do this:

Click Start. Click Run. In the "Open" box, type (without quotation marks):

"sfc /scannow"

Note there is a space between "sfc" and "/scannow".

Click Ok. A little diagonal window will come up with a progress bar. It won't tell you anything about what it's changed or found. It just does its thing and exits. When its done (has exited from your screen...takes several minutes, at least), reboot. Try the search.

Note: System File Checker (SFC) takes into account any service packs and hotfixes you've installed. It won't replace your most recent system files with original XP files, so don't worry about that.

At least this will rule out a System File problem.