Windows 7 index issues

Hi,

I'm not sure what to make of this, but my file/program search in Windows 7 is ridiculously ineffective.

I have an ASUS G74SX-NH71 (laptop) with an Intel 120GB SSD and the 500GB WD Scorpio Black that came with the machine. I'm running Windows 7 x64 Ultimate.

Windows and all programs are installed on the SSD. I have all of my Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, etc. folders reassigned to the regular HDD.

Searching for programs in the Start Menu search box turns them up, but searching for ANY files does NOT yield the results. Even if I have Explorer open to the folder the file is in, and can SEE the file in the folder, if I type part of the name (even using the capitalization used in the file name), there are "no search results".

I've ensured that Windows Search service, as well as RPC and RPC locator services, are running and set to Automatic.

I've rebuilt the file index. Indexing options currently lists 164,784 items indexed. I've ensured that both hard drives, along with all folders and subfolders, are checked for indexing.

I've tried the file index troubleshooter, which found no problems.

I just want it to work. I'm aware there are free file search programs available, but I'd simply like the Windows 7 search function to work as it should.

I'm in a remote location currently (military), and have very slow internet and also don't have physical access to my desktop machine (which has no issues with file searches).

Can anyone help me resolve this issue please?

 

Thanks for the quick reply, David.

No, I don't have file encryption (i.e. Bitlocker) in use. I have several ZIP files, but not an inordinate amount. Also, new folders aren't an issue... for example, if I search within D:\Users\Adam\Downloads for a file I can SEE in the folder as I type the name into the search field (top right) of Explorer, it still states "no items match your search".

The only security I run is Comodo Internet Security Free, with mostly normal settings (I run the same configuration on my desktop at home, and again, that computer does not have this issue). Also, it's not that the searching takes forever, it's that it simply will NOT yield file search results! It will bring programs up, but not files.

I'm currently trying to use that MS Fixit you linked to, and will post with the results.

 

Scan and fix results of the MS Fixit:

Reset Windows Search

No Errors were found. Some problems with Windows Search cannot be detected. Frequently, resetting and restarting Windows Search will re-index all files and resolve the problem. Click yes if you are having problems and want to reset Windows Search.

X Reset Windows Search
X Do Nothing.

I chose the reset option. It took a minute or so to reset, and now it appears to be working! Thanks, David! Even though resetting it myself apparently didn't work, the MS Fixit reset did help. Much obliged, as this has been a constant pain (it's been like this since I got the computer).

 

Well, I lied... it's STILL not working.

What WAS working, was that I tested the search in my Downloads folder (D: drive) after the reset, and it said that D: wasn't included in the index, and offered to add it... so apparently, non-indexed files are found, but once added to the index, the search still yields no results.

 

Alright, I've ran a system file check, which found and repaired some corrupted files.

Rebooted.

Still no dice.

So, to summarize, Windows Search finds non-indexed files, but refuses to find any that are indexed.

 

I know this is going to sound stupid, but have you tried turning Indexing off and on again? I know you've reset the index but sometimes disabling the service, rebooting, enabling the service and rebooting works.

 

As a practice I disable indexing, searches take a bit longer but disabling the service is the trade off for a lighter load. If all else fails try another program instead of Windows search...This one looks promising but has its limitations http://majorgeeks.com/neoSearch_d8079.html Imagine you have looked at the selections under the Search tab in Folder Options...
Indexing is listed under programs and features in Control Panel, Programs and Features, Turn Windows features on or off, and under Administrative Tools, Services, Windows Search.

 

I've learned over the years of fixing computers myself, that nothing is stupid to try. I actually tried uninstalling the service, via Add/Remove Windows Features, rebooting, reinstalling the service, and rebooting once again. No effect, though.

As I just mentioned above, I tried the uninstall/disable and reinstall/re-enable with no effect. I'll give that NeoSearch a try, and see... though I'd still simply like Window 7's indexed search to work.

Working on this as we speak... will post with the results. I'm currently running the chkdsk on D:, and will follow through with the rest once it's done.

 

So far, no luck. Searches for files WORK without the index still, but don't with the index.

Change isn't always good... David, I completed your suggestion. Now, the Windows Search service fails to start (starting, stopping, starting, stopping). It's default is Automatic (Delayed). I've tried switching it to Automatic, and Manual, but it is still failing to start. I've ensured the dependency services are running... I guess, if anything, the situation's worse now?

 

Still no luck in getting the Windows Search service to run. The MS FixIt, the onboard troubleshooter, and manual "messing" with it does no good. The next step (unless someone has a better suggestion) I'm going to do, is try this on another user account with administrative privileges, to see if it's any different. I did do some messing with the ProgramData folder (tried to move it to the other HDD, and decided against the idea, so put it back) before this service issue started, so I'm not sure if that's related.

If I was able to access high speed internet, I'd just reinstall Windows on this thing, but if I were to do that here, even with my SP1 disk, it would still take an inordinate amount of time to download and install all of the Windows Updates.

NeoSearch seems to work, but somehow an operating system that has a working native search function seems like a much more appealing idea to me.