Weird problem - cannot find files, search function not working

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  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Weird problem - cannot find files, search function not working


    Hey guys, newbie here, I'm experiencing a weird problem with Win 7..for the last 2 days I am unable to search within folders. When I use the search box in the top right hand corner to search, windows returns search results saying "no items found". This was working perfectly fine just a few days ago, where the files I searched for would be found and highlighted. Also, when I go to the "my documents" folder (or any folder for that matter), and open subfolders, it displays the folders as empty even though the preview (when I hover the mouse over the folder) says there are files inside, and I know for a fact there are files there! Sometimes only a few files are displayed, other times the folder appears empty.

    I havent changed any settings or options on my computer. This is a really annoying problem, and the standard response from Dell is "reinstall the OS". I have a lot of documents and music and even though they have been backed up, it is just a pain to go through the whole process again. Any ideas what could be happening and how to fix this before I reinstall the whole thing?

    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,963
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
       #2

    Open and elevated command prompt (right click command prompt and run as admin) and type SFC /SCANNOW. See if it finds any problems. BTW, SFC is System File Checker.

    I would also test the hard drive to make sure it working properly. You can use HD Tune, Seatools, or the hard drive diagnostics tool made by your hard drive manufacturer.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Hi Petey7 thanks for the reply. The SFC says no problems detected. The funny thing is if I go to the "my documents" folder through the "C drive - all users - etc" my files are all there. But when I go directly through the "my documents" shortcut (either on my desktop or on the start menu" the files are missing.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 2,963
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit
       #4

    It sounds like the shortcut is messed up some how. The main thing is that your files are there. I was worried that the files had somehow been erased.
      My Computer


  5. NoN
    Posts : 4,166
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
       #5

    May be try those two MS hotfix....:

    First:
    The "Search programs and files" box does not display search results correctly in Windows 7 and in Windows 2008 R2

    Second:
    The "Search programs and files" box on the Start menu does not search files on network locations that are not indexed in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2

    That might not be directly related to the explorer search tab...!
    Thought aswell you could check whenever are the settings of the Options Search Query (Indexing Options) in the Control Panel...
    Last edited by NoN; 18 Aug 2010 at 16:16.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 373
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #6

    NoN said:
    May be try those two MS hotfix....:

    First:
    The "Search programs and files" box does not display search results correctly in Windows 7 and in Windows 2008 R2

    Second:
    The "Search programs and files" box on the Start menu does not search files on network locations that are not indexed in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2

    That might not be directly related to the explorer search tab...!
    Thought aswell you could check whenever are the settings of the Options Search Query (Indexing Options) in the Control Panel...
    I tried the second option as I have indexing turned off (extra hard drive work for too little gain), but M$ now makes you enter an email address to send a link with the hotfix! WTF! I used the mailinator service and got the link, but when I clicked, got a 404 page not found error from M$. Cut/pasted the link with the same result.
      My Computer


  7. NoN
    Posts : 4,166
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
       #7

    remm said:
    NoN said:
    May be try those two MS hotfix....:

    First:
    The "Search programs and files" box does not display search results correctly in Windows 7 and in Windows 2008 R2

    Second:
    The "Search programs and files" box on the Start menu does not search files on network locations that are not indexed in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2

    That might not be directly related to the explorer search tab...!
    Thought aswell you could check whenever are the settings of the Options Search Query (Indexing Options) in the Control Panel...
    I tried the second option as I have indexing turned off (extra hard drive work for too little gain), but M$ now makes you enter an email address to send a link with the hotfix! WTF! I used the mailinator service and got the link, but when I clicked, got a 404 page not found error from M$. Cut/pasted the link with the same result.
    So, why not enter your email to get that MS hotfix? Get it regular and they will send it to you in your mail box with the two passwords (take the first one, the second is in case) to extract it. There will be inside the mail a direct link clickable.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 373
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #8

    So, why not enter your email to get that MS hotfix? Get it regular and they will send it to you in your mail box with the two passwords (take the first one, the second is in case) to extract it. There will be inside the mail a direct link clickable.
    I did use an email address, like I said... I used Mailinator. Those are temporary email addresses that you can use in situations like this. The link to the hotfix arrived at mailinator, but is no good -- a 404 error as stated.
      My Computer


  9. NoN
    Posts : 4,166
    Windows 7 Professional SP1 - x64 [Non-UEFI Boot]
       #9

    remm said:
    So, why not enter your email to get that MS hotfix? Get it regular and they will send it to you in your mail box with the two passwords (take the first one, the second is in case) to extract it. There will be inside the mail a direct link clickable.
    I did use an email address, like I said... I used Mailinator. Those are temporary email addresses that you can use in situations like this. The link to the hotfix arrived at mailinator, but is no good -- a 404 error as stated.
    I've save that patch...let me a minute to upload it for you as a x64.

    Normally it doesn't link to a page 404, its a direct in the mail downloadable patch, it openned a pop-up window to "save as". Hope this help!

    I've up the two patches:
    Weird problem - cannot find files, search function not working Attached Files
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 373
    Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit
       #10

    Many thanks, NoN!
      My Computer


 
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