Windows Search not working

[Empyreal]

ran the troubleshooter and didn't do anything, homegroup was just something that was listed under "search again in." I might also mention that I think the problem may have to do with a file I may have deleted or something? because that's all I really did between the time it worked and didn't.. the only fix i've been able to come across is restoring my computer back to factory condition, but I always end up causing the same search problem somehow.

 

[Slartybart]

Security issue?

Aha! The ol' "The only thing I did...." problem.

A few posts ago I asked if if you ran System File Checker (SFC) and in another I asked if you ran the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT). I didn't see your response - maybe I missed it, so - have you run either or both of those?

There is a Seven Forums tutorial on SFC here.
You can download the SURT (x64) here (Microsoft KB947821)

Both utilities scan your system and make sure the core technologies are at correct levels - they operate differently. SFC operates with local files, SURT carries it's own bags (cab files). Used in conjunction, they almost equal a repair install.

There is a Seven Forums tutorial on a repair install tutorial here

So wait, you've done a factory reset and you repeatedly have a search problem? Is that correct?

That is very odd. Maybe you should do s full scan of your system with your AV software and also MalwareBytes?

I'd also take a look at your Events log - errors, and warnings. The odd thing is either you're very consistent at deleting a "certain" file or you're not causing the problem at all. Of course support always blames it on User Error - thanks goodness this isn't support.

 

[Empyreal]

I ran the SFC and it restored heaps of things back to default, but Search Computer still won't work. When I did a factory reset not too long ago everything was good so I don't think it's a virus - though i'll run a full scan right now just in case

 

[Slartybart]

Yeah, it doesn't hurt to run a full AV scan.

Did you follow the tutorial for SFC? The utility throttles itself to 100 items per section (I suppose so it doesn't step on it's own toes). You should restart after SFC finds and fixes errors so Windows reloads what SFC fixed. Then run SFC again (3 times per the tutorial) - restarting when fixes are applied. Some people call SFC lazy, but I think SFC is wise not to try too many fixes at one time.

After SFC reports no errors (3rd time is the charm!) see if Search Computer actually searches.
Yes... YEAH!
No.... try SURT, it's delicious, it's stupendous, it's huge!
The key phrase in the SURT description is "...inconsistency was found in the Windows servicing store".
It might not solve this issue, but it might solve other issues.

Let me know what you find. There are folks better at deciphering SFC & SURT output, so I might have to ask for help. Thanks for your patience.

 

[Empyreal]

hmm yeah nothing :/ I'll just leave it as it is I suppose since the only fix seems to be to restore my computer back to factory condition, and it takes quite a long time to setup everything back to way it is now.

 

[F5ing]

Did you review the tutorial posted by Slartybart:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

 

[EricL7889]

If you've tried everything else, and Search programs and files is still coming up empty…
Right-click on Start>Click Properties>Start Menu>Customize...>Slide down and Tick “Search Programs and Control Panel”>OK>OK Give it a try.

Optionally, while inside Customize...>Slide down to “Search other files and libraries”
It's probably set to "Don't search" Try “Search with public folders”s
This will cause the search to include directories that are indexed.