Windows 7: Search Function is missing

So I recently installed Windows 7 Ultimate on my netbook, and eeepc 1000HA, and the weirdest thing, there is no search capability in the computer dialogue or on the start menu. I looked everywhere and it seems nobody has had a similar issue. I thought I would see if anyone has any ideas.

I think there may be a driver missing, because it does not recognize the storage partition on the same drive as the operating system as well. I wasn't sure if this could cause indexing problems and the search not to appear. It works fine on my big computer. Also has reduced display support. It wont use the full resolution.



Just so you know what I have tried, I have all the current drivers installed from the Asus website, current bios, and all the Windows updates are current. Any help would be appreciated. I would really like to be able to find files on my netbook once again.

Is the "search box" still there?

I wonder if you (or someone) has changed some property on the entire drive.

Hidden all files for instance...I have not heard this one before.

Sounds to me like it might be a group policy issue. Sorry, I'm outta time to outline a procedure right now, but you can look around for yourself in the group policy editor.

I'll revisit this later.

Have you tried a System Repair?

Just put in the Windows 7 setup disk and select "repair" when given the chance.
It doesnt delete any personal data or software, just scans for errors in the windows installation and fixes them. It has worked for me a few times. Try it out.

Good luck!

Hi mistergrieves, Welcome to SF,

You could follow this article and see whether it fixes it

How to Enable or Disable Windows Search Box in Windows 7
Enable or Disable Windows Search - iTechtalk

This will help you to see whether the search option is disabled in control panel.

If that didn't help you could do a Startup repair

You could follow this article

How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7
Startup Repair

Hope that helps