Search programs and files blank/no results

Page 1 of 8 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Search programs and files blank/no results


    Hello,

    Today I installed Windows 7 service pack 1. After I restarted my machine, I noticed my search function from the start menu brings up 0 results. It's literally a white, blank area.



    Some things I've tried after researching the problem;

    -System restore - Hangs at initializing screen, so that's out of the question (and a whole new problem entirely)
    -Checked under Right click start icon>properties> customize>made sure the right 'Search other files and libraries' options were checked.
    - ran system file checker, found no 'violations'
    -fix it tool from Microsoft (no problems found)

    Another thing to add...if I click on 'See more results' I get the following error : Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

    Any insight would be greatly appreciated, because I love the search.

    Thanks
    Last edited by sloth1; 11 Jun 2011 at 04:18.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #2

    try this
    There is a windows 7 update hotfix for the search issue which can fix this issue, you need to download and Install this Hotfix from Microsoft. Help and Support Restart your computer and this problem will be fixed

    Fix Windows 7 Start Menu Search Problem http://www.troublefixers.com/fix-win...earch-problem/

    OR>>> http://www.troublefixers.com/solved-...earch-missing/
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the reply.

    I downloaded the hotfix and after unzipping it to the specified location, it's nowhere to be found..quite weird.

    The second link did not work either, unfortunately. I restarted Windows Search to no avail.

    It's mind boggling that SP1 would ruin such a feature. So many solutions and hotfixes that don't fix it concerns me...
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #4

    have you checked the indexing settings? have a read of this link Windows 7 File Search Indexing Options Windows 7 File Search Indexing Options
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,612
    Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 6.01.7600 SP1 (x64)
       #5

    How to Rebuild the Windows 7 Index by brink >>> Index - Rebuild

    If the Windows 7 index cannot find a file in it's seach results that you know exists or not exists in an indexed location, then this will show you how to manually rebuild and update the index to have accurate search results from changes to the included locations since the last rebuild or update.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Indexing complete, still a blank search

    This is extremely strange. Totally lost at this point. If only my restore worked..
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #7

    Welcome to Seven Forums sloth1.

    As for the fix you used, make sure you have Show Hidden folders ticked in Folder Options. It may have become a hidden file.

    Hi, have you installed anything else other than SP1 prior to this issue?

    Did you use SP1 from a MS downloads page or from Windows Update?

    Try How to Uninstall the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
    and see if your search will behave itself.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,326
    Windows 7 Ultimate RTM (Technet)
       #8

    Just uninstall SP1 and then reinstall it. I can assure you that SP1 alone didn't cause the problem. There would be massive outcries if SP1 were breaking machines.

    Generally, when Service Packs cause problems, it is because the machine was already in an unstable state.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Britton - Hidden files/folders is checked. I tried a few different locations after unzipping, nothing :-\
    The only other thing I installed was MalwareBytes, but after I did a scan with it I turned off my PC for the night. The next day it was in it's usual state. Then I installed SP1 and the problems arose. I installed it using Windows Update.

    MacGyvr - Well, considering it was running flawless BEFORE I installed SP1, I would beg to differ. It's only a 2 month old machine. Isn't it advised against to uninstall Service Packs? Just curious, I may have to do it.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 32
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I want to ask if 20 minutes is a long time to wait for a system restore? When I tried it seemed to just be stuck on initializing for 20 minutes. The restore point was only a couple of hours back.

    Also, would doing restore from safe mode be a good idea?
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 8 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:22.
Find Us