Have to keep rebuilding my indexing - Search stops working

lindalo5032 · 16 Feb 2018

Anak said:

If the message "cannot repair boot files" came while you were in the Dell B&R, that would mean there are corrupt boot files in that backup and most likely the restore function won't work.

Is this the first time you've seen that message?

Have you ever tried to restore your system with a backup?

Yes, this is the first time I have seen this message. And I don't recall ever restoring my system with a backup.

Turns out, the Dell backup probably wasn't a great idea. I violated my own rule, LWEA (Leave Well Enough Alone).

Last night I didn't turn off my computer. This morning, there was just a black screen with a curser and I couldn't get anything to respond. I ended up switching the power strip off, because nothing else was working, and when I turned it back on I got the screen that gave me an option to restart windows normally or launch repair. I tried restarting normally and ended up with the same black screen. Turned off power, back on, and tried "launch repair". It went back into the Dell backup & recovery and I chose the "Instant Restore" option. After about 30 minutes, it finally made some repairs and I got windows back up. I haven't fully checked it out yet but hopefully I will get everything back the way it was.

Sigh . . .

Anak · 16 Feb 2018

Sigh . . .

My sentiments exactly...

lindalo5032 · 16 Feb 2018

Interestingly, as I was working today my search stopped working (again). This is the first time it has stopped while I was actually at my computer. I checked the event viewer, and there were no red or yellow flags. And my Seagate was not attached at the time.

I think at this point, probably the easiest thing for me to do is to rebuild the index when necessary. I narrowed down the search parameters, and it really doesn't take much time to do the rebuild.

But I do appreciate all your help and expertise and willingness to stay with me. It has definitely been a learning experience!
(wax on, wax off)

Snick · 16 Feb 2018

Another free search program is Locate32, which is an excellent albeit dated app, which I use regularly assisting individuals with missing cat, mum and manifests. Works with AutoHotKey to automate search process from text files, etc.

Anak · 16 Feb 2018

I didn't see it but have you ran the troubleshooter? The easiest way would be to go to step #4 to view all then look for Search and Indexing, when it opens:

Click on Advanced at the lower left,

Then Run as Administrator click on Next, you'll see it run a bit and open to this:

Have to keep rebuilding my indexing - Search stops working-si.png

I'd go with the first one, if it doesn't find anything then the last, type in your best description of the problem i.e. "search stopped (stops) working.

Click on Next let it run.

When done view details to see if it caught anything the biggest problem is permissions.

Close troubleshooter when done.

Use Search to test.

If you're okay with rebuilding as a workaround then that's okay, but it really shouldn't be that way. Have you been doing defrags of your hard drive?

It's been my pleasure.

lindalo5032 · 17 Feb 2018

Snick said:

Another free search program is Locate32, which is an excellent albeit dated app, which I use regularly assisting individuals with missing cat, mum and manifests. Works with AutoHotKey to automate search process from text files, etc.

Thank you, Snick, I will check it out!

lindalo5032 · 17 Feb 2018

Anak said:

I didn't see it but have you ran the troubleshooter? The easiest way would be to go to step #4 to view all then look for Search and Indexing, when it opens:

Click on Advanced at the lower left,

Then Run as Administrator click on Next, you'll see it run a bit and open to this:

I'd go with the first one, if it doesn't find anything then the last, type in your best description of the problem i.e. "search stopped (stops) working.

Click on Next let it run.

When done view details to see if it caught anything the biggest problem is permissions.

Close troubleshooter when done.

Use Search to test.

I tried this and it didn't find anything. Maybe I need to wait till search stops working again.

I believe my Bitdefender routinely does defrags, but in my attempt to confirm this, I just now discovered that my Bitdefender isn't working, apparently thanks to my fiasco with the Dell B/U. My next priority will be to get it up and running again.

Anak · 18 Feb 2018

lindalo5032 said:

Anak said:

JoWazzoo said:

Perhaps check out the program called Everything. Once it creates its file index it is blinding fast. And does not carry the excess problems associated with Windows Indexing. Just a thought.

Hi Jo, While Everything is a fine program and is used by many members here including me I believe lindalo would like to get to the bottom of why the indexing is not working, but it would be a viable work-around.

Thank you, Snick, I will check it out!

I tried this and it didn't find anything. Maybe I need to wait till search stops working again.

I believe my Bitdefender routinely does defrags, but in my attempt to confirm this, I just now discovered that my Bitdefender isn't working, apparently thanks to my fiasco with the Dell B/U. My next priority will be to get it up and running again.

Don't forget JoWazzoo's suggestion for Everything if Locate32 doesn't work out, and don't miss downloading the 64bit version of either one you try because that matches your OS (operating system) 64bit version. The yellow highlight at locate32 means it's the latest version.
If you have problems installing either one try using: Compatibility Mode

Trying the Search and Index troubleshooter right after the Index fails again would be a good call.

You seem to have problems with some programs not running to their full potential, you may want to go over this: Optimize Windows 7 to help smooth out your performance.

You don't / won't need all of them but #'s 5 to 14, then #'s 16 to 18, #'s 20, 21, the rest would be your preference.

JoWazzoo · 18 Feb 2018

Another decent Search program is from NoVirusThanks - Smart File Finder. But Everything is MUCH better.

FWIW - I never heard of Bitdefender doing defragging.

Note that I have been following along but had nothing to add over and above Anak.

Anak · 18 Feb 2018

JoWazzoo said:

FWIW - I never heard of Bitdefender doing defragging.

It seems it does:

Defragment your hard disk

It is recommended to defragment the hard disk in order to access files faster and improve overall system performance. It is recommended to defragment the hard disk in order to access files faster and improve overall system performance. The Disk Defragmenter helps you reduce file fragmentation and improves the performance of your system.

To start the Disk Defragmenter, follow these steps:

Open the Bitdefender window.
Go to the Tune-Up panel.
Click Optimize and select Disk Defragmenter from the drop-down menu.
Follow the wizard steps.

Source: https://Defragment your hard disk | www.bitdefender.com/support

Ya know? That gives me an idea....Thanks Jo!

Linda, shut that sucker off and make sure win7's defrag is on and run it at least once, then re-index your drive even if it hasn't crashed.
Also, make sure it's on a schedule: You could set it up for every 2, 3, even 4 weeks, once a week can be excessive unless you run a photo editor or some type of CAD program every day.

Here's why; 7's defrag is quite capable of keeping an orderly system and search may be getting confused with the way BD "thinks" is the best way to defrag a drive. There shouldn't be any conflicts, but Search is designed to work best with the way win7 "thinks" and defragging from a third-party program might just be enough to throw off the Indexing.

Over the years I've tried many defragers but always came back to windows, the others always seemed to slow my machines.

JoWazzoo said:

Note that I have been following along but had nothing to add over and above Anak.

That's okay Jo, you may have help solve lindalo's predicament so any time you have anything to add you go right ahead.