How to Fix Windows XP Search
The Microsoft Windows XP search companion tool can be useful in locating almost any file on a Windows operating system. It is possible for malicious software and viruses to cause the tool to disappear from the start menu and possibly stop working entirely. Without the search companion functioning properly, locating a file or directory can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Before getting too irritated, know that there are simple remedies to correct both of these situations.
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Instructions
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Restoring Search Tool in Start Menu
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1
Right-click on the Windows taskbar and select "Properties" to open the Task Bar and Start Menu Properties window.
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2
Click the "Customize" button under the "Start Menu" tab to open the Customize Start Menu.
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3
Scroll to and check the "Search" option under the "Advanced" tab. Click "OK" to close the window. You have just restored the "Search" companion shortcut to the Windows Start Menu.
Eliminating Search Tool Pop-up Errors
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4
Click "Start" and then select "Run" to open the Run command prompt window. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and click "OK" to open the Registry Editor window. This step begins the process of eliminating any pop-up errors you might be getting when attempting to run the search companion tool.
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Drill down to the "Namespace" folder in the left-hand pane of the Registry Editor window:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
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Right-click on the "Namespace" folder and click "New" to enter a new registry key.
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Type the following key (including the curly brackets) into the window and press "Enter" when finished:
{e17d4fc0-5564-11d1-83f2-00a0c90dc849}
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Right-click the "Default" registry key in the right-hand pane of the Registry Editor window, and select "Modify" to open the Edit String menu.
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Type "Search Results Folder" in the window and click "OK." Close the Registry Editor window and reboot the computer. The Windows XP search companion tool should now be fully functional.
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