Around 1 month ago my Windows 7 search bar failed to work properly. When I search for something it will only show the category of which the results are in, it displays them as a blanc 0 byte file which cannot be opened, with the name of the category. For example if I was to search for "CMD", normally it would show a link to command prompt, but now it shows a blank file called "programs". If I was to search for "Restore" it would show up a blank file called "Control Panel". Here is a screenshot: http://screensnapr.com/v/FlUafU.png I attempted a system restore back to a date before the problem began with no success, the problem persisted. I then used CCleaner and used it to fix registery problems and again no success. I tried searching google for a solution but all I could find was threads/blogs of people complaining about the search bar not finding what they want or what they dislike about it. I have no DVD drive in my laptop so it is not possible to repair windows using a windows install disk. U have left it this long as I though I would be able to manage without it but I am now finding that I need it. Any help is appreciated. PS: If I open up the directory that the program is in, for example documents or program files or even c:drive and search using the bar at the top it works, but the high number of results is too much to handle and takes time, I shouldn't have to do this.

Hi, You can refer to the following steps to troubleshoot the issue. 1. Run Hotfix: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977380/en-us 2.Make sure there are no viruses infecting your computer. Malicious Software Removal Tool http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx 3.Check the indexed locations, remove anything internet explorer related from that list. Also rebuild the index. 4.Go to Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows Features on or off. Here ensure that "Indexing Service" is NOT installed. It is the service from previous versions of windows, don't know why it's still present in 7. Also ensure that "Windows Search" is installed. This installs the current Indexing and Searching feature. 5. Run System File Checker: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928228 Best Regards, NikiPlease remember to click "Mark as Answer" on the post that helps you, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.