Windows 7: Indexing does not work

This problem started originally in Windows Live Mail 2011. I couldn't get searches to show results. I think my problem is actually a Windows issue with indexing. I cannot get it to work.

Services.msc reports that the indexing service status is "started" with "automatic" startup type. Windows search service shows a blank status with "automatic" startup type.

In the Windows search properties (see png), when I try to start the service, it starts momentarily and then stops with the boxed warning (see png). Is this normal behavior?



I also tried to rebuild the index, but nothing happens when I choose that option.

Chkdsk shows everything to be OK. SFC reports no integrity violations.

Troubleshooting Search and Indexing leads to a dead end.

Any suggestions? Does anyone know a registry fix that would put indexing back to its default status?

I do not want to reinstall Windows or place the computer in its original status if I can help it.

Thanks.

Hello Arthur,

If this only started happening not to long ago, then you might consider doing a system restore using a restore point dated before this started to hopefully fix it for you.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Hi shawn. Nah, it's been going on far too long for a system restore. Do you think this might work: Index - Enable or Disable - Vista Forums?

Thanks.

It's not going to hurt anything to give it a try.

Didn't work.

Is there a registry change I can make that would put Windows Search back to its default state?

Unfortunately, I don't have a repair installation disc. If you wanted to buy a repair installation disc, where would you shop?

Thanks.

There's no need to purchase a disc, you could create your own System Repair Disc (see link) to use in OPTION TWO at the system restore link above instead.

Thanks, Shawn. I created a disc, but it doesn't really do what I had in mind--I see I'd need to restore Windows to such an earlier state that I don't even have those restore points anymore. Thanks for steering me away from spending money needlessly.

This whole difficulty arose because I couldn't get search to work from inside Windows Live Mail 2011. I tried everything during the last 4 days. I decided 2 things: 1) to leave well enough alone. Search works from Windows Explorer, and that'll have to do for now. And 2) I decided to stop using WLM and move to Thunderbird. That transition was smoother than I thought it would be. I was especially concerned about moving email messages, but that was actually the easiest part!

I am now returning to the realm of happy camperdom!

Well, I'm happy that you got it to a point that you are happy with.