Fix: Windows Start Menu Search Box not working in Windows 7

Speed Up My PC

If you find that your Windows Start Search Box in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 is not displaying results correctly, you may want to request for and apply this hotfix which Microsoft has just made available for all.

hotfix icon Fix: Windows Start Menu Search Box not working in Windows 7

Specifically, if you put in a search query for an item on the computer by using the Start Menu Search programs and files box and the results are not displayed, but instead displays only the category headings like Documents, Programs, Files, Control Panel, Pictures, etc, then KB977380 recommends that you apply this hotfix. Moreover even when you click on these links viz Documents, Programs, etc, nothing happens!

Fix Windows 7 Search Problems

Go here to put in a request for Hot Fix 296173. You  have to provide your email ID. Microsoft will then mail you the download link.

These posts on troubleshooting Windows Search and Indexing problems  and Repair broken Windows Search in Windows 7 using Windows Search Troubleshooter may also interest you.

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Anand aka HappyAndyK is an end-user Windows enthusiast, a Microsoft MVP in Windows Desktop Experience since 2007, and the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, TheGeeksClub.com & WinVistaClub.com. Creating a System Restore Point before trying out a new software or a tweak is always recommended.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/survivor303 Janne Granström

    i cannot belive this.. a email from microsoft for patchfile….

  • teqjack

    “search result does not include libraries that are not indexed”
    Since I turn off indexing…
    Article ID: 2268596

  • girovago

    A me improvvisamente la funzione Cerca non ha funzionato più. Non uscivano le voci all’atto della digitazione e un avviso mi diceva che non avevo i diritti di Administrator. Ho provato con tutti i Fix, ho chiesto al supporto tecnico Microsoft, ma non ho risolto niente. Ho risolto da solo così:
    ho creato un nuovo profilo utente con privilegi di Administrator e la funzione cerca funzionava col nuovo profilo. Ho copiato i dati utenti e ho cancellato il vecchio.