Solved Search programs and files blank/no results

[sloth1]

Hello,

Today I installed Windows 7 service pack 1. After I restarted my machine, I noticed my search function from the start menu brings up 0 results. It's literally a white, blank area.

Some things I've tried after researching the problem;

-System restore - Hangs at initializing screen, so that's out of the question (and a whole new problem entirely)
-Checked under Right click start icon>properties> customize>made sure the right 'Search other files and libraries' options were checked.
- ran system file checker, found no 'violations'
-fix it tool from Microsoft (no problems found)

Another thing to add...if I click on 'See more results' I get the following error : Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated, because I love the search.

Thanks

 

[brianzion]

try this
There is a windows 7 update hotfix for the search issue which can fix this issue, you need to download and Install this Hotfix from Microsoft. Help and Support Restart your computer and this problem will be fixed

Fix Windows 7 Start Menu Search Problem http://www.troublefixers.com/fix-windows-7-start-menu-search-problem/

OR>>> http://www.troublefixers.com/solved-windows-7-start-menu-search-missing/

 

[sloth1]

Thanks for the reply.

I downloaded the hotfix and after unzipping it to the specified location, it's nowhere to be found..quite weird.

The second link did not work either, unfortunately. I restarted Windows Search to no avail.

It's mind boggling that SP1 would ruin such a feature. So many solutions and hotfixes that don't fix it concerns me...

 

[brianzion]

have you checked the indexing settings? have a read of this link Windows 7 File Search Indexing Options Windows 7 File Search Indexing Options

 

[brianzion]

How to Rebuild the Windows 7 Index by brink >>> http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/17880-index-rebuild.html

If the Windows 7 index cannot find a file in it's seach results that you know exists or not exists in an indexed location, then this will show you how to manually rebuild and update the index to have accurate search results from changes to the included locations since the last rebuild or update.

 

[sloth1]

Indexing complete, still a blank search

This is extremely strange. Totally lost at this point. If only my restore worked..

 

[Britton30]

Welcome to Seven Forums sloth1.

As for the fix you used, make sure you have Show Hidden folders ticked in Folder Options. It may have become a hidden file.

Hi, have you installed anything else other than SP1 prior to this issue?

Did you use SP1 from a MS downloads page or from Windows Update?

Try How to Uninstall the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
and see if your search will behave itself.

 

[MacGyvr]

Just uninstall SP1 and then reinstall it. I can assure you that SP1 alone didn't cause the problem. There would be massive outcries if SP1 were breaking machines.

Generally, when Service Packs cause problems, it is because the machine was already in an unstable state.

 

[sloth1]

Britton - Hidden files/folders is checked. I tried a few different locations after unzipping, nothing :-\
The only other thing I installed was MalwareBytes, but after I did a scan with it I turned off my PC for the night. The next day it was in it's usual state. Then I installed SP1 and the problems arose. I installed it using Windows Update.

MacGyvr - Well, considering it was running flawless BEFORE I installed SP1, I would beg to differ. It's only a 2 month old machine. Isn't it advised against to uninstall Service Packs? Just curious, I may have to do it.

 

[sloth1]

I want to ask if 20 minutes is a long time to wait for a system restore? When I tried it seemed to just be stuck on initializing for 20 minutes. The restore point was only a couple of hours back.

Also, would doing restore from safe mode be a good idea?

 

[Britton30]

Yes 20 minutes is an unusually long time. It has taken mine 3-4 minutes. As stated this Win 7 SP1 is stable and adds some security.
You may try restore in Safe Mode, or boot into Repair options and do a Repair Install.

Also check in Admin Tools>Services and make sure Windows search is running and set for auto start.

 

[sloth1]

I logged onto my Guest account and the search function is working as normal. Is there any significance to this?

 

[James Colbert]

Hi sloth1. Is your start menu normal otherwise, i.e., it shows recent programs, user files, etc.?

 

[sloth1]

Yes, everything seems to look normal

 

[James Colbert]

Thanks for the screenshot. The fact that it runs in another user account may mean that your windows search database has become corrupted. I recommend you read the entire thread, but this link is to a permalinked post that will show you how to delete the windows.edb file, which may correct your problem:

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/140745-indexing-failure-2.html#post1213488

Also, have you changed any user files locations, including program data locations?

 

[Britton30]

What is Screen Hunter Patrick?

 

[sloth1]

Thanks, James.

Before I attempt this, I wanted to create a restore point just in case. However, I don't even see the option to do so, anymore...

Ugh...problem after problem. Do you have any idea why I can't create one?

 

[sloth1]

What is Screen Hunter Patrick?

It's what I use to take screen shots of small areas like I'm doing in this thread

 

[Britton30]

go to System in the CP, system, system protection, create.

 

[James Colbert]

Wise decision, but that's the restore window. You want to create a restore point, not restore one:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/697-system-restore-point-create.html