Windows Search yielding No Results after changing Users Location

Use any method you wish. For me as an author of a tutorial describing one method it would be like stepping someone else's toes telling to use my method only. Each method has its pros.

Changing the value of the internal environment variable is the safest, though, as well as simplest method. But whatever you do, please forget the drive letters A & B!

This issue now solved, start a new thread with (possible) future issues, or if your issue has something to do with an existing thread or tutorial, post a reply there.

Kari

Kari yes I did read all the post and do remember the A/B thing. I followed your instructions post #40 and I get the same results as you do. Works for me. All I have to do is remember your teachings. Is there a sweet heart place to get all these little goodies for Windows Search? So many people have a problem with Windows Search or think they do.
Your post #40 should help the OP and many other.

We have an excellent Windows Search Tutorial: Windows Search - Configure and Use

This was once again a case where Windows Search was first blamed until OP found the fault in his own actions. Good to know it was resolved.

Kari

Yes I found it and the Indexing Tutorial. Have to read them a few more times to make it sink in my thick head. Never read them before because never had a problem. I'm glad the OP is fixed and happy. Thanks again for the walk through Windows Search.

In corporate environment users do not always have a permission to install everything they would like to. IT dept has installed the basic Windows setup, with Office and Lotus Notes and similar stuff plus SAPs and Ciscos and MacAfees but that's it.

I like the idea to do as much as possible with Windows native tools and apps. To be able to help those corporate users the support needs to go deeper on OS, understand what can be done and its limits. An issue as what our OP had can arise and IT support needs to fix it, with available tools.

That, added with the fact I quite like Windows Search, Backup and other native tools often puts me in crusade although that's not what I want to or seek. It's just this simple principle: Don't fix it if it's not broken, don't buy it if you already have it.

Kari

I have never been in the corporate IT world or any other IT world. All I have is trial and error and learning from sites the this Forum, books, videos. Built in Windows Help and Support has a lot of great information. Because of lack of formal training I do get involved in threads like this just to learn and this one has been great to me for that. I'm also a believer in, when I need something done with one of my Windows system and Windows has the ability to it I need to learn how to get Windows to do it. I do use as many Windows built in abilities.

**I do have a question about indexing though. If a system is set up properly and has been indexing along is their any good reason to start a new re-indexing process from scratch?

Layback Bear said:

**I do have a question about indexing though. If a system is set up properly and has been indexing along is their any good reason to start a new re-indexing process from scratch?

There's this one quite a stupid issue with index.

If you have a test rig, or a vm or something where you can test, you can try this: Pick a library, remove all folders from that library. reboot. Go back to this library and include the same folders again in that Library.

Index is now screwed and needs to be re-indexed. Also if you have done a lot of foler removing and recreating index might get sluggish, searches take time.

Other than that I do not know. It is a feature like defragging or registry cleaners: Windows 7 and 8 can already maintain themselves quite OK without continuous defragging or registry cleaning, but there are always those geeks who feel it must be done two times a day.

Feeling that search is a bit sluggish? Re-index. Can't find that doc? Re-index. The main thing is it can be re.indexed when user wants to. Reason must be no more real than a registry freak's motive for his daily CCleaner sessions.

Kari

Is their a free VM you would recommend that I could tinker with when I get in the mood?

If you have a Windows 8 Pro rig, I recommend native built-in Hyper-V virtualization platform.

On Seven you have several choices. The simplest way to create a test vm is to download Microsoft Virtual PC, download Windows 8 Enterprise 90 Day Trial (7 trial no longer available, as far as I know) to install it or use your own Windows 7 install media to install 7 which you can then use 30 days without activation, with rearming 120 days.

Here's a post showing you how to download Virtual PC without XP Mode: Hey/Help

Although Windows XP Mode can only be used in 7 Pro, Ultimate and Enterprise editions, underlying Microsoft Virtual PC can also be used on Home Basic and Home Premium as the post linked above shows you.

Same 8 Trial or your own 7 can also be installed on VirtualBox and VMware Player. Both are free.

Kari