Index Search Isn't Working Properly

Hey,

I have had a big problem which I believe started ever since a Windows update.

However, rang Dell and they had not heard of the problem and a system restore did not resolve the issue.

Basically, when searching using the start menu for items, shortcuts to programs will appear. However, almost all documents, music, videos and pictures won't. But, if it has been opened recently from it's file location it will then appear in the search results.

It seems like a very strange problem and i have no idea why this is happening.

Have tired rebuilding the index into a new location but it states it will take a long time but it says it is complete within 30 seconds and stop at around 2,000 files indexed. Even though there is a lot more.

Have tried restarting the service and this also didn't work.

I have been told it could be a registry issue or something caused by Mcafee security but i don't want to risk fiddling with this in case it mucks the PC up anymore. I got told that Mcafee might be releasing an update cause this problem was caused by the new verison of their security centre but i have had this new security program for a good two months and not had the problem.

I have also tried reticking the index service.

As well as disabling PDF files as i heard this could be a problem. Still no joy.

Any confirmations of this being a recognized problem, anyone know of any fixes or any solutions on how to fix this issue?

Many thanks.

Unfortunately you are not alone.
I've seen references to the Registry fixes and McAfee compatibility issues.

A substitute Option
I use and am impressed by a free package - "Agent Ransack".
Relatively small, fast, non indexed.

[There are those who appear to have no problems with Windows index search and are delightfully happy]

Thanks I really don't want to use another program but i guess i have no choice really.

It just annoys me even more the way it works partly so it indexes some things and not others. It's so strange and random.

The various registry fixes i found on the internet didn't work and as for Mcafee i heard of an update coming out in November that might fix the issue but personally i don't think it was Mcafee that caused the problem as i have had it since i bought the PC and not had the problem. It literally occured straight away after a windows update.

Is this recognised as an issue by Microsoft or are they totally in the unknown about it.

I can understand the reticence to load your computer up with substitute software. The reality is that there is a large amount of very good substitute and complementary software out there and free. There is a comprehensive list on this forum. If you don't like the software, delete it.

If you go to the Windows answers forum you will see a large number of people with similar index search problems. It may be an MS problem or a third party software problem. When my McAfee subscription has expired I'll be going MSE + well regarded (free) third party antivirus software but I'll still keep "Agent Ransack" even if it fixes the indexing issue.

You have a search problem, you've tried in vain to fix it - use a substitute in the meantime.