Windows XP search builds a very large WINDOWS.EDB index file (> 3GB). At first, it seemed to be indexing a 5GB OUTLOOK.PST file**, however, I have disabled the indexing service, and have unchecked the "Allow Indexing" box on ALL disks, and unchecked all items in the "Indexing Options" window. I rebooted, and deleted the WINDOWS.EDB file. A few minutes later, however, the Search Service icon reappeared in the System Tray, and a WINDOWS.EDB file is again growing on my disk. The "Indexing Options" dialog shows the number of indexed items incrementing up, yet the "Included Locations" window is blank. In the time that I wrote this paragraph, the 'disabled' Indexing Service has indexed 12,799 items, so even though I performed the steps to disable it, it is still indexing something.) How can I completely disable this service so that it will not build a WINDOWS.EDB file at all?This PC is a Lenovo ThinkCentre M55 running Windows XP Pro version 2002 with SP3. 2 GB RAM, Dual CPU 6300 @ 1.86 GHzBottom line question:How can I eliminate WINDOWS.EDB file, and make sure it does not return & grow?My thanks in advance!--HDLNew York City1 person needs an answerI do too

Hi HDL-NYC,I would suggest that you remove the update KB940157 which is associated with the indexing and check if you can delete the indexing file.a) Click Start, and then click Run. b) Copy and then paste the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER: appwiz.cplc) Click to select the Show Updates check box. d) Click KB940157 and then click Remove. e) Click Finish to restart the computer after the removal process is complete.Thanks and Regards:Shekhar S - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think. If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.