Windows 7 Search Results Not Opening?

After running a Windows 7 search from the start menu, the results come up in the Results box and look as they should. However, when I try to open one of the items by double clicking it or by right clicking on the item and then clicking on Open, nothing happens.

I am at a loss as to why this is happening. It happens with ALL file types including emails, PDFs, Word docs, etc. Nothing will open.

In searching I have seen this issue with Outlook alone, but nothing with other file and document types. I was hoping there might be something from preventing these files from opening. Search used to work well but the inability to open the results is a PIA.


Thanks for any thoughts.

Desperate

Couple of things you can try.

1. Right-click on the Start button > Properties > Start Menu tab > click Customize button.
2. Scroll down to "Search other files and libraries" > make sure "Search with public folders" is selected
3. OK your way back out of all dialog boxes.

You could also check for damaged or corrupt system files. Run a system file checker scan from an elevated command prompt (option two.) If problems are found, run the scan 3 times and reboot the computer after each scan.

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

It's also possible that the Windows search index may need to be rebuilt. This could take several hours so it would be best to let the rebuild run uninterrupted, perhaps overnight.

Index - Rebuild

Thanks, I will try those. AS I said, search seems to find everything, I just can't open any of them.

marsmimar, I ran the scan and that came back with no problems found. So then I started the re-index and while it is still re-indexing, the results it has found are now able to be opened via the search results box. So, it this sticks after the re-index finishes, that seems to have been what the problem was.

Thanks again for your suggestions and I hope this continues to work once the re-index is completed.

Glad to hear you got it sorted out. Thanks for posting back.