Resolved how do I change the windows search companion defaults

In the past when I would open a search window in Winxp sp3, Whether through start-search or shortcut keys windows key +f I was able to set up the default window that would open to the window with "what do you want to search for" and then I could choose Pictures etc., Documents etc., All files and folders and two more options.
Somehow that has changed to when I open the search option I get to a windows search window with different options and I have to scroll down to find click here to use windows companion. and then choose other search options and then I get to the window that I originally got to before.
I don't know what has happened. I had to reformat my drive a few months ago and reinstall winxp mce and this has been the way it works ever since.
Originally when I chose search companion when I first got the system I was able to save those settings.
Does anyone know how to set the search companion to be the default window?

 

Hi donpoli,

It's been a very long time since I have sought away to do this but perhaps this link (with pics) will have exactly what you want, Have a look-see and if not let me know. I will drag an old laptop out for ya' and have a look.:
http://www.tutorialsroom.com/tutorials/winnet/change_windows_xp_search.html

Alternatively this site know as "kellys Korner" has several reg patches that will customize search in a few various ways. Have a look see also. You may find many treats here. Just don't go bananas on her tweaks and know exactly what your doing and the effects before you do it. Its to easy to get lost in what you modify and windows defaults.:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

 

resolved

Thanks for the response Goddez1.
I found my solution in removing "windows search 4.0" from add/remove programs.
Now when I click win flag+f I get right to the file search location. I was able to get rid of the dog years ago.

 

Hello again,

Thanks for the update. Having 3rd party software changing and controlling search options will definitely effect what and how you search. I didn't even think to ask if you had installed such. My bad. I should have done this as a matter of course.

Once again thanks for update and the reminder to be a bit more thorough. Your most welcome and I am happy to see that this problem is behind you.

 

windows search problem resolved

I would like to thank goddez1 and Windows BBS for helping me solve my windows search problem.

Originally, after searching through past threads I could not find any solution to restoring my old windows search window.

After looking through the suggestions from Goddez1 I got the idea of looking to see if there were any changes or new programs installed to cause this problem for me.

I found out that windows update downloaded and installed Windows Search 4.0 automatically. Now that might be what some users think is a more complete search tool, but it was just too much more work to just do a simple search. Windows had changed a very simple search into a something I didn't need or want.

Now I changed windows update to download but ask me if I want to install any updates.

This little problem has been bugging me for a few months and I'm glad it is resolved.

Thanks again.
Donpoli

 

Arie and PeteC,
As this was my first thread I forgot to mark the thread as solved correctly.
I have it now and thanks and have a great New Year.
Don