Hi

When I click on the search facility either in Start>Search or the search button in any program like Word, Publisher etc there are no files shown. What have I done to cause this and how do I put it right. Help please

Is this a new problem?

If so you could try a System Restore to a point prior to your problem: start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

Or:

If you're comfortable with regedit: start > Run... regedit

Use it and see if you can find the following entry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\Policies\Explorer\NoFind

If "NoFind" has the value "01 00 00 00" change it to "00 00 00 00" and see if that solves your problem. You will need to restart the computer for the change to take affect.

Thanks for coming back - System Restore will not restore back - seems to be a fundamental problem there so I went into regedit and when I got to the lat bit there was no file "NOFIND"n just REG_SZ, no drives REG _Binary and No drive type Reg_Dword Forgot to say previously I'm running windows XP with SP2 - thanks for any more help. Yes it is a new problem today

So this is a new problem?

Did you try a few different Restore points?

You could also try System Restore via Safe Mode which sometimes will work even if "normal" mode will not.

Yes I have tried several restore points and took your advice to try in safe mode but it still cannot restore

For the future I would reset System Restore. Right click My Computer then click Properties then System Restore. Turn it off then turn it back on. This will remove all past points but should reset the feature for the future.

As to the Search issue go to start > Run... and type:

sfc /scannow

You might be asked to insert your XP CD. This will check and replace System Files.

Ok tried that and it said that Windows cannot fid find the files sfc/scannow*

There is a space between sfc and /scannow

so sorry - I have put in the space and all I get is a flash of a small black screen. Just had a thought - if I'm asked to put in my XP disc I have the original bnut upgraded to SP2 with the SP2 disc.

Hi Jephree
Thanks for help but will have to continue tomorrow (if you are around and can help further)
Speak anon