Windows 7 search doesn't work

I found my answer here:

http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7files/thread/cc378149-8765-498a-9480-b1b494e1a1a9

In effect:

This issue can be caused if an invalid registry key for the Start Menu grouping values gets written to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}\TopViews{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}

The incorrect registry value is the GroupBy value,  the incorrect value is most often “System.Null” but can appear as other values. The correct value should be “System.StartMenu.Group”

You can resolve the issue by follow one of the methods below:

Method 1: Delete the entire key:

To browse to and delete the registry key follow the steps below:

1.       Click Start

2.       In the Search programs and files box, type regedit

3.       In the Programs list, click regedit.exe

 If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or click Continue.

4.       Browse to and click to select the following registry subkey:

5.       HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}

6.       In the left side of the window right-click GroupByand click Modify

7.       Change the value to System.StartMenu.Group and click OK, then close the registry editor

You'll need to reboot your computer for this change to take effect.

Method 2: Add the correct value of GroupBy value:

Follow the steps below to add the correct value to the GroupBy value:

1.       Click Start

2.       In the Search programs and files box, type regedit

3.       In the Programs list, click regedit.exe

 If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or click Continue.

4.       Browse to and click to select the following registry subkey:

5.       HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}\TopViews{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}

6.       In the left side of the window right-click GroupByand click Modify

7.       Change the value to System.StartMenu.Group and click OK, then close the registry editor

You'll need to reboot your computer for this change to take effect.

Ken Smith

Shukixxx,

Have you always experienced this issue, or is this a recent problem? If so, did you make any changes prior to the issue?

You may want to verify that search is turned on:

1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Turn Windows features on or off. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
2. To turn on a Windows feature on, select the check box next to the feature (in this case Windows Search). Click ok.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Lisa

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

You may want to try this

Open the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

If you're having problems locating specific files, folders, or other items on your computer, try using the Search and Indexing troubleshooter to fix the problem. It makes sure that the Windows Search service is running, and checks to see whether you have the correct permissions to search all the directories on your computer.

Note

• To make sure you have the most up-to-date troubleshooters from the Windows Online Troubleshooting Service, your computer should be connected to the Internet. For more information, see Troubleshooting in Windows.