Win 7 start menu search stopped working

[charentejohn]

In fact all windows type searches have stopped working.
I have looked at the many posts here and at microsoft but no change, main problem with microsoft ones are that they ask me to select control panel options that don't exist (I am a plug and play type so need to see stuff) or they ask me to go to start and type in something like indexing options. You guessed start search isn't working so that doesn't work.

I am fairly sure I need to rebuild the index but need to know how to get there if index search isn't working.

No idea when this may have failed so don't want to go to previous versions. I have windows update set to ask me, as it keeps trying to install IE10. I did run the 'stop install of IE10' fix but nothing happened. I have also had to restore to IE9 as the IE10 update got me as I thought it was blocked, I must have not run the blocker properly. Just mentioned in case that can cause the problem, it is the only 'system' type thing I have done.
I have had Kaspersky security on the PC for 2 years so shouldn't be that ?

Any help appreciated, also windows explorer search isn't working either.

 

[AddRAM]

Start off by running a system file check.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

 

[charentejohn]

Thanks, tried the verifyonly option and it says, did not find any integrity violations. I assume that's good news
Then again still not working, so maybe not system files ?

 

[DavidE]

Here is an MS Fixit for Search problems you can try:
Fix Windows Desktop Search when it crashes or not showing results

 

[charentejohn]

Hi, I have tried that before but did try again, same result, nothing to fix. I think it is wrong there.....
I did respond to the did it fix it question wth (for all the good it will do) comment that this seems a common problem so why no simple fix ?
I assume the search is basicaslly a program that is missing something, or a bit missing on a file. I would have assumed Microsoft would have had a general fix by now, seems not and we are left with you guys struggling to identify the cause.

 

[DavidE]

If you can get to Services you could try disabling Search Index to see if you get search results with this disabled.
Index - Enable or Disable
If you get search results with it off, re-enable it and see if that works.
Re-boot after each of these changes turning it off/on.
Maybe this will force an index rebuild ???

While you don't want to use Restore, you might try that to see if the issue can be fixed with a Restore...
It might be your easiest solution...

As this sounds like a system problem, you could consider a Repair Install:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

I would create a System Backup Image before making any of these changes.
I use and trust Backup Imaging much more than Restore points.
A Backup Image is "copy" of the ENTIRE "OS" partition, a Restore Point is NOT.
Maybe time to learn about Backup Imaging?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

 

[charentejohn]

Didn't work I'm afraid, one option said (as MS often do) to type in to the start search field to open an option, only works if start search works, poor logic there I think. Like them saying (if your sat nav is broken), to find repair centre type x into your sat nav.

I may end up doing a full restore at this rate, hopefully that would fix it but a pain to have to do it. Basically it seems these things screw up and there is no solution. I noticed all other threads on this remained unresolved too.
Can't do repair install as my Win7 came with the PC. If I do a restore then I reckon it will take me about a day to set it up again, it shouldn't have to be this way.

I did read the rebuild index could fix it but I can't get to it, is there a command I can use in the 'run' option to get me there. I know the scans said there was nothing wrong but they are incorrect, because there obviously is.
No idea what to do now.

 

[DavidE]

If you do end up reinstalling, you should consider a Clean Install without all the OEM Bloatware that you get with a "Factory Restore".
This tutorial has everything needed for this, including where to get and how to use a Win 7 ISO Installation file.
You do need a valid/genuine License (COA) to use this.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

With the Win 7 installation disc, you may be able to Repair Install without starting over...
I use Backup Images, so I never needed to do a Repair Install.

 

[charentejohn]

Thanks, I think a reinstall is due anyway. I do mean to obtain a windows install disc just in case so will do that anyway.
As it happens the stuff I got with the PC is what I wanted, unusually Kaspersky AV which I like and not Symantec, also no Itunes etc. So this time I will do a reinstall from the backup partition.
Shame there is no other solution to this problem, something Microsoft might want to look into as it is a main part of the software and losing the ability to search for files (all ways) is very bad. Can't believe there isn't a solution.

 

[bobafetthotmail]

Wait a sec.

Open Control Panel, select "show small icons" from top right. Select indexing options and see if it says that the indexing is online or not, or if it is indexing something (from the list of folders in the "included locations").

If it is stopped (or heck, check this out anyway), go in Control panel again, select Administrative Tools, then select Services, then find an entry called "windows search" (duh!), right-click and select properties, then from the panel select automatic startup and if you see the button called Start click on it.


In case you still want to reinstall, everyone here recommends this tutorial. Has links to clean install isos and all the tools and tips you need for best performance.

 

[charentejohn]

At last, I can see the Indexing options, thanks. Whether it works or not at least the options are available and without the multiple moves in MS help. Small Icons is better than standard as it shows all options whereas I have to expand the others to see them, and obviously not all as Indexing was missing.

So, now I can see this I select it and have on the 1st panel, Included locatopns, IEhistory, Start Menu, Users-excluding Appdata
If I then select Modify I get, Change Locations, IE hist only selected. Summary has IEhistory, Start Menu, Users-excluding Appdata.
Selecting Advanced shows Index setting file settings blank, not ticked. I also have (hooray) the Rebuild option I was looking for.

So, if nothing else I can at least rebuild the index. But before I try that do the above selections seem correct.
I have the C drive and a secondary drive, neither of which are selected, should they be to allow it to find stuff ?

 

[bobafetthotmail]

Can you post a screenshot?

These forums allow you to attach images to the post.


This is an image of my indexing options. Note the text in the red box (I made the red box to highlight it).
It can also say that it is still indexing, or that indexing is stopped. What is it saying in yours?

Below I have selected two drives as I want it to be able to search in both, otherwise it works only for the folders that are not C and D in the pic (those are the standard folders, apart from the Windows Live Mail one if you don't have it).

Also, do that thing about services I talked of above, it doesn't hurt and will save time.

 

[charentejohn]

Getting somewhere, but not very far.
I checked my wife's PC (same as mine) and it only has the same IE hist start menu and Users as I have, her one works.

But at least I could re-index the files, worked ok but still can't access anything.
What I did though was click the 'see more search results' optio on the start search and it said - Searchquery=xxx Cannot access path or file. You may not have the appropriate permission to access the item.

Sadly it didn't manage to say what path I didn't have access to.
Any ideas as to what this could be ? Is it an individual item or something search needs.