Not able to search for files via start menu search box


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 7
       #1

    Not able to search for files via start menu search box


    I am only able to search for files and folders via the search box inside the start menu with one user. I had one admin account, and two standard user accounts. Right off the bat, Windows Explorer allows all users to search for files/folders. Searching for files/folders within the start menu search is only possible with the original administrator. No other users can search for files/folders, but all of them can search for programs. The other accounts were standard users. When searching for files/folders, I get the error message "Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item". For a giggle, I changed a standard user to an administrator. I got the same result. Since both users are administrators, I cannot see this as being an issue involving permissions. It's not a specific folder/file either, since it cannot find anything at all, ever.
    Is it possible that the original account is searching in a different place than the other users? It seems unlikely, since programs are easily found by all users. I am more than a little frustrated. Any help with this matter would be greatly appreciated.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,261
    Windows 7 Professional X64
       #2

    I use this program to search my comp ( I have 5 hdds) and it will find any file or folder in seconds.

    Type in the name ( or even part of it)

    Everything Search Engine
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Not able to search for files via start menu search box-everything-pic-6-9-14.jpg  
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    PSCO2007,

    I appreciate the suggestion on the software. Oftentimes, I am just doing a quick search for a single picture/file. I don't want to open a separate program to do so, Windows Explorer works in all user accounts. I just want to do a quick search from just off the Start menu. I don't understand why the search feature only works for the original administrator account, but won't search in any of the others.

    Since both users are administrators, privileges would be the same, so there shouldn't be a problem using the search feature in the Start menu. If none of the users were able to use it, it would be one thing. That only one account can use it, just doesn't make any sense.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 64
    Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit
       #4

    Just a guess. Did you install a program recently?

    In addition, try to run your computer in Safe Mode and check if it still have the problem.


    -Jethro.
      My Computer


 

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