Start - search file doesnt' work

Hi

I have a problem. When using the start->filesearch in XP I get the window allright but I can't specify and start a search. The animated search helper is
alive but seems not to be finished in a way. I am able to close the helper.
The edit menu doesn't show anything if I click it. All other sw seems to run fine. The problem is maybe 2 weeks old .. no more.

My OS is Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)

I'm constantly running the following protective utilities:
----------------------------------------------------

Kaspersky personal firewall 1.5 .. and antivirus too
WinPatrol latest
SpyBot S&D latest

And had different sw installed too (to test and protect) when the problem appeared 1st time:
Norton firewall/virus, MS Antispyware Beta .. maybe spysweeper or spyware doctor as well.


I also run the following sw to clean and fix problems from time to time:
----------------------------------------------------------

System Mechanic Pro 4 .. lately V5 demo
jv16
lavasoft adaware se personal
webroot spysweeper
spyware doctor 3.1
web bases virus scan (panda and trend micro)
tds-3 pro
sysinternals process explorer
registrar lite (for reg search/edit)
and some more .. depending on needs

What I've tried so far:
---------------------

Norton didn't report viruses, and the spy removers i ran deleted those they found. This was in the past. Yesterday I downloaded system mechanic pro 5 demo and installed it. Kaspersky was a part of it and since i'm being quite annoyed with all the popup's from my registred norton sw I uninstalled it and tried kasperky to check it out. I've read it's better than norton.
(Kaspersky found 4 viruses that norton didnt find and cleaned them btw)

I've tried to check for registry problems with system mechanic/jv16 but didnt get any clue form that. I'm capable to fix some problems in registry and allways do registry backups first.

I've also tried to look in sysinternals process explorer but didnt get a clue. Same with tds-3.

Also tried to restore back older registry backups, and older system restore points without any luck. So I suspect there is a dll missing.

Tried MS sfc.exe /scannow with org XP install cd, and then another SP2 upgrade from CD .. still without luck. Persistent one this

And on top of that I lost my disk-based backups due to hd failure so I cant go back and look for older system sw from backup. (Im gonna use my brand new dual-side dvd-rw for backups from now on).

Anyone had this problem before and know the solution? I would appreatiate any help .. used hours on this problem allready. Thanks in advance


Roar Madsen (from Norway btw :=)


A bit of hijackthis log below:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 14:22:39, on 17.02.2005
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
D:\windows\System32\smss.exe
D:\windows\SYSTEM32\winlogon.exe
D:\windows\system32\services.exe
D:\windows\system32\lsass.exe
D:\windows\system32\svchost.exe
D:\windows\System32\svchost.exe
D:\windows\system32\spoolsv.exe
D:\Programfiler\Belkin\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
D:\windows\Explorer.EXE
D:\Programfiler\MSN Apps\Updater\01.02.3000.1001\en-us\msnappau.exe
D:\PROGRA~1\BILLPS~1\WINPAT~1\winpatrol.exe
D:\Programfiler\Java\jre1.5.0_01\bin\jusched.exe
D:\windows\system32\ctfmon.exe
D:\Programfiler\iolo\System Mechanic 5 Professional\PopupStopper.exe
C:\Program Files\Kaspersky Lab\Kaspersky Anti-Hacker\KAVPF.exe
D:\windows\system32\wuauclt.exe
D:\Programfiler\iolo\System Mechanic 5 Professional\SysMech5.exe
D:\Programfiler\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
D:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\Office\OUTLOOK.EXE
D:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe
E:\~download\~new\Utilities\HijackThis 1.99\hijackthis\HijackThis.exe

 

Hi Roar and welcome!

I think you have a three clear options.

1. First check for disk errors and then run sfc /scannow

2. Do a Repair Install of the system.

3. Quit using the Windows search engine and get Agent Ransack for your search tool. It's free and simply great! Very fast.

Option #3 is highly regarded. If my Windows Search engine doesn't work, I'll never know it since I haven't used it in over 4 years! I just couldn't tolerate that dog and also having to constantly reset the search parameters each time.

 

Click and scroll down to "Search - Doesn't Work ".

 

Hi surfer & Brett

Yes I know I can do a repair install .. but I'm a bit afraid it will overwrite too much and get me into more serious trouble. I was hoping someone knew what possible ddl i seem to have lost.

And I have Agent Ransack in my toolbox .. use it a lot too. Its fast and nice. Just hate it when something is wrong with the OS and its apps. On the other hand .. there's allways some issue with a windows installation.

Maybe i better forget it :=)

Roar

 

I consider that a very wise choice.

 

Did you try the suggestion on the page to which I linked?

Open Explorer and go to the Windows\Inf folder. Locate the srchasst.inf file. Right click it and select Install. You'll need your XP CD or the files from the I386 folder. (This fix will require you to have your Win XP CD).

The Windows\Inf folder is a hidden folder. You can adjust your Explorer Folder Options (View tab) to Show hidden files and folders. You can also click Start, Run and enter %SystemRoot%\Inf to open directly to the Inf folder.