Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly

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  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
       #1

    Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly


    Hey all,

    I've recently tried running a search for a simple program (I think it was the Disk Cleanup). What I normally do is click the "start" button, then immediately above it on the start menu, I begin my search. Typically, the search pulls up several different items while I am typing what I want to look for in the search bar. However, now it only seems to pull up blank-looking icons that say "Programs" and "Control Panel" and "Documents." It won't find anything now.

    I have attached a file that shows a picture of the problem. Please inform me if this does not work when you try to look at it - I did my best to follow the forum instructions.

    I am running Windows 7 32-bit on an HP Pavilion dv6000, and am familiar with computers but not with editing registries and the like.

    Thanks in advance
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly-search-problem.jpg  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #2

    I apologize for the double post - the only thing I have tried to fix the issue was by going into Control Panel>Programs>Turn Windows features on or off>Unchecked Windows search.

    This did not solve my problem, as I went back through and enabled it and it still was messed up.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #3

    Welcome,

    If a new problem, I would just do a system restore. Avoid having to fool with the registry etc.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #4

    Hi Ryan,

    You could try the troubleshooter in control panel, upper left click view all, search and indexing. See if that helps or at least gives you more info.

    Post back with your results.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly-view-all.jpg   Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly-search.jpg  
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I'm afraid of doing a system restore - will I have to back up all of my files and then go back and reinstall all of the programs I use? I'm not sure when this started (haven't used search function in a while, I suppose), so I can't pick a particular date to restore to.

    I followed your instructions, derekimo, but the troubleshooter was unable to find anything. It didn't give me any more information, either
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #6

    System restore will not touch any documents or other personal information. Give it a try.

    System Restore

    Restore only changes the OS.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Just tried a system restore - no luck....
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #8

    Probably did not go back far enough. In any event try this:

    Go to search
    Type cmd

    do not hit enter, right click and run as administrator

    In the cmd prompt type
    sfc /scannow

    SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Okay, went back nearly two weeks for the second system restore, and it still didn't solve the problem. Also, if you'll view my attachment, you'll see I can't search for the "cmd" program because it just doesn't look for it - it pulls up the same thing every time. I do know how to get there and run it as an admin, though. What exactly does that command do, and will it have any effect on my search problems?

    I do not know if this is relevant, but a few days ago when I turned my laptop on, it went immediately into a "CHKDSK" scan of my disk. This happened about 9 months ago, almost a week before my first hard drive failed.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly-capture.jpg  
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 15
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Please disregard my question on what that command does - I just read the green box on the link you gave me. My apologies.
      My Computer


 
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