How to fix “Search Files and Programs” box issue?

Question

Issue: How to fix “Search Files and Programs” box issue?

When I type anything in the Search box, it does not show any results. I can’t find anything. Yet, when I locate the files by entering the local disk, they are there. Can you help me with this issue?

Solved Answer

“Search files and programs” box stopped working error is often encountered in the older versions of Windows operating system, such as Windows 7. There are mainly two speculations about the cause of this error. In some cases, it might be triggered by the unindexed files. In other words, the files you are looking for might not be properly organized. Otherwise, a system bug may be behind this troublesome occurrence. However, you should not get worried as there are several methods to deal with this problem.

Option 1. Set new Value Data

  1. Press Windows key + R to run Registry Editor.
  2. Type regedit in it and click Enter.
  3. When Registry Editor is opened, find HKEY_CURRENT_USER folder.
  4. Right-click on it and choose Expand.
  5. Choose Software.
  6. Locate Microsoft folder and click on Windows.
  7. Enter Current Version folder.
  8. Afterward, choose Explorer.
  9. Then click Search Platform and select Preferences.
  10. Right-click on the white space on the right-hand side and choose New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value
  11. Give it alternative title – “EnableSearchingSlowLibrariesInStartMenu”.
  12. Double-click on it and in the Value Data box write 1.
  13. Finally, reboot the system.

After the restart, the problem should disappear and Search Files and Programs function should work again. If you occasionally encounter similar errors, it would be useful to check the operation processes of your registry with RegCure Pro.

Option 2. Eliminate the registry Subkey

Be aware that precision and attention are required to perform both options. Deleting the wrong registry key might result in the number of various system errors.

  1. Repeat the first step of the previous option to enter the Registry Editor.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Find this registry key — HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}
  4. Right-click on it and choose Delete.
  5. Restart the device.

Option 3. Rebuild your Search Index.

This step does not require any special preparation or knowledge. Click Start button and enter the Control Panel folder. Choose Indexing Options. Afterward, click Advanced and finally Rebuild button.

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Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Security researcher

Lucia Danes is the news editor at UGetFix. She is always on the move because the eager for knowledge makes her travel around the globe and attend InfoSec events and conferences.

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