[Search function missing]

how can i enable my search function on Windows XP

 

If you are saying it is blank, have a look here

 

Can you be a bit more specific on the problem your having?

"Search" can be shown or hidden on your startmenu, based on your startmenu settings. Is this option missing? You may set it to be shown via the startmenu option settings:
*To do this right click on the Start menu and select Properties.This opens up the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties.
*Click the startmenu tab.
*From here just click on the Customize button.
*Click on the Advanced tab. You'll find the option to show "search" in there.
*Just check or uncheck depending on desire.

F3 key is the shortcut keyboard key for calling up windows search. You must click on a blank spot on the desktop to make sure it has focus before hotting the F3 key.

Many users have switched to a program called Agent Ransack, http://www.agentransack.com, to work around Windows XP's Search limitations. This is faster and quicker than xp's built in search. It is often recommended here.

It is also advisable to adjust your these options or some files may still not be found when doing a search.
Tweak your folder>view options to show extensions, system and hidden files:
See:
To make sure you have the ability to view hidden files by adjusting preference options in....
1>Click on My Computer icon or right click startbutton and choose "explore ".
2>click on menu toolbar> "tools "
3>click on "Folder options "
4>click on "View" Tab:
5>and scroll to the [Hidden Files and Folders] section and enable or disable the options below by unchecking or checking as designated:
"Do Not show hidden files "=unchecked (or click the "show hidden files ")
"hide file extensions for known files "=unchecked
"hide protected system folders "=unchecked (optional, users choice)