Indexing not running in Windows 8.1

Since the problem predates Windows 8.1, the odds are that a clean install is the most likely way to solve the issue. There is probably a setting that needs to be changed but what that is up in the air.

For the software that you have paid for, take an inventory and check to see what software you have activation codes for and which you don't. Contact the vendors involved to explain the situation as they may have a record of your transaction even if you do not. They may have a setup where they can provide you with activation codes and/or download links to your software after the reinstall.

Alternatively, here is an article on changing indexing options but these are probably things that you have already tried.

http://windows7themes.net/lets-change-the-indexing-options-in-windows-8.html

If the issue is with you current user account, create a new Administrator account and see if you can rebuild the index as that user.

The proposed "answers" all seem to repeat the same suggestions that have repeatedly been noted as not working. Basic windows productively requires a working search capability and while we wait for a real answer... I have installed Copernic's desktop search application. It is not perfect, but it works until there is a solution.

As I have continued to research and troubleshoot the inability to start the services for indexing or windows search, I increasingly suspect the issue is related to the 8.1 registry. Has anyone investigated this?

Does anyone know what values should exist in a "working" Windows 8.1, 64-bit environment?

Hi Bob,

-          Did this issue occur after upgrading to Windows 8.1?

 

Sfc /scannow will inspect all of the important Windows files on your computer, including Windows DLL files. If System File Checker finds an issue with any of these protected files, it will replace it.

 

Follow the steps:

a) Press “Windows Key + Q Key” to open Charms Bar.

b) Type “cmd” without quotes in the search box.

c) On the left pane, right click on the “cmd” option and select “Run as Administrator”.

d) Type ‘sfc /scannow’ without quotes and hit enter. Once this is done, restart the computer and check the status.

You can go through the link below as a reference.

Indexing and Search: Frequently asked questions: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-8/search-index-faq

 

Let us know about the status of the issue. We would be happy to help you further.

I have the same problem after I upgraded to 8.1 from 8.0. I get a message that the windows resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are in cbs.log. I am not able to open cbs.log as it says no permission to open.

I tried to go to services and tried to start the wsearch service: It says starting and then stopped.

If I start outlook as an administrator it says wsearch will not be availabel but I am able to search all the emails. If I start outlook normally then no search is available.

I am able to search files using file explorer. I am also able to search net and programs using win search charm but not files.

Please help

Hi

I have the same acceptable issues regarding indexing in Windows 8.1 as folks here seem to be having and indeed across other related forums.

I have tried sfc /scannow (running as administrator), I have of course run the search and index troubleshooter. None of this works. Neither does the FAQ suggested has any step that I haven't considered / tried out.

The search within Outlook doesn't work because it uses windows search and reports that index is not running. Rebuild doesn't help. As a result searching for emails is a near impossible task.

The troubleshooter reports that "Windows Search service not working" and that this problem was "not fixed". This happens even if I run the troubleshooter as an Administrator.

I have saved a fair number of screen shots of the problems I have faced, I could make them available if needed.

Please help: this indexing issue and the Skydrive sync issues are really destroying Windows 8.1 user experience for me.

Best Regards

Jahar