Windows 7 Search Function Not Working Correctly

[RyanC119]

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

 

[RyanC119]

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.

 

[richc46]

Welcome,

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

 

[derekimo]

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.

 

[RyanC119]

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

 

[richc46]

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

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

Restore only changes the OS.

 

[RyanC119]

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

 

[richc46]

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

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

 

[RyanC119]

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.

 

[RyanC119]

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

 

[richc46]

Try this

Go to start then
Start then Run

and then type cmd.exe in the 'Run-box'

 

[RyanC119]

Okay, I am running "sfc /scannow" and it's at about 61%. I'll head back here and let you know if this works...

 

[RyanC119]

Alright, the "sfc /scannow" just concluded and presented me with the following message:

"Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

...I'm guessing this isn't a common problem, huh....?

 

[richc46]

Make sure that the search function indexing is set to on.

Turn Off Windows Search’s Index — MAXIMUMpcguides – Windows 7 tips, tricks, help, and how-to guides

 

[RyanC119]

Still nothing.

I just tried to click one of the files that pops up every time I run a search. It said that I was not allowed to open the file because of internet security. I shut down my anti-virus/internet security and still had no luck...

 

[richc46]

I read the thread, again, carefully. When you go to search did you type disc cleanup, immediately? You did not put the word search in first did you?

 

[karlsnooks]

Alright, the "sfc /scannow" just concluded and presented me with the following message:

"Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

...I'm guessing this isn't a common problem, huh....?

These things don't just happen.

You have installed a program which causes the problem or have messed around with windows settings,etc or you have picked up a virus infection.

Using Control Panel | Programs and Features:
look at the programs installed on your computer and uninstall those that you do not need.

Avoid all of those "speed up your computer" and "clean up your computer" programs. Before you try one of those out, do a complete 100% system image backup so that you can undo their damage. That said many of us use CCleaner but this program also has the right to carry the Win 7 logo.

Here's virus/malware advice:

​

[FONT=&quot]VIRUS REMOVAL / PROTECTION[/FONT]​

1. Download MalwareBytes. Malwarebytes
2. Disconnect from the Internet.
3. Disable your present antivirus software.
4. Remove your present antivirus software.
5. Install and run the MalwareBytes Quick Scan (remove any bad guys)
6. Reconnect to Internet.
7. Update MalwareBytes.
8. Run malwarebytes quick scan again.(remove any bad guys)
9. Download and Install Microsoft Security Essentials.
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Now I advise you disable MalwareBytes and only enable again when and if you need it..

​

 

[RyanC119]

Nope. I typed "Disk Cleanup" - I never type the word search first. Before, it would give me the names of programs, folders and files all neatly organized as I typed out my word. Now it acts like it is updating its returns but it just keeps spitting out those blank, unopenable "Programs" and "Documents" things.

 

[RyanC119]

Alright - I followed your advice karlsnooks and ran Malwarebytes, but it didn't find any sort of malicious malware on my computer. It scanned 150,000+ files, too. I also frequently visit my uninstall/change programs file and make sure there is nothing on there I do not need.

If it's a Windows setting that a program or I have changed, do you know which one it would be? I can't think of anything I would have done or anything I would have downloaded that actually messed with the search function...

 

[karlsnooks]

Boot up in safe mode. Problem still there?

To boot up in safe mode,
Shutdown computer.
Turn on computer.
Immediately start taping the SPACEBAR.

Choose Safe Mode from the list.