Windows Search draws complete blank

Hello All,
I've had a good hour or so on Google and cannot find a solution to this issue so here goes:

All of a sudden, Windows Search will not return any results. I normally only use this to get to a program in the Start Menu quickly so if I need to access the services.msc I just type it into the Start Menu search.

Now all I get is:

Documents
Files
Pictures
Control Panel

listed with blank, white file icons next to them. Hitting enter after typing 'services.msc' does nothing.

The blank files listed are just that - blank 0kb files. If I click on them all I get is a security message saying I cannot open them.

I have removed and reinstalled Windows Search, also tried flushing the Index cache all to no avail.

Any ideas?

Dan

I had thought of System Restore, but was trying to avoid having to do it - just finished installing Adobe CS4 suite and it took hours.

But if worst comes to the worst, I'll just have to do it - or reformat and start again.

Thanks for the reply though.

All,

I also have this issue and a system restore doesn't correct it. In my case I can type anything in the search box and receive nothing in the text box above it. If I click on "See More Results" then I receivce an error indicating that Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file.

Any ideas?

Dan

I ran the malware and their were no issues:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org
Database version: 6577
Windows 6.1.7600
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385
5/14/2011 1:15:38 PM
mbam-log-2011-05-14 (13-15-38).txt
Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 420456
Time elapsed: 48 minute(s), 37 second(s)
Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0
Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Dan

could be an issue with file permisions. mabe, windows is not allowed to access your files.

This appears to be a permissions issue as when I click on "See More Results" I receive the following error: Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

The question is how do I obtain the proper permissions?

Dan

I haven't received any replies to my querry. Suggestions?