"Search Settings.msi" Missing?

Hi,

Can anyone please help me?

I recently tried to install some software (Replay AV) on my HP laptop. All seemed to go well, but when I tried to open the main Replay AV application it failed due to a missing file, to which the suggested remedy was to uninstall and re-install the programme. I therefore followed the instruction and uninstalled everything, but made a mistake, and uninstalled an application called Search Settings as well. I did all of this via the add/remove programmes function in Control Panel. Prior to doing anythings I had created a restore point, so I immediately restored back in the hope of correcting my error. The Search Settings Programme reappeared, but did not cure my problems.

Now if I try to open anything that is Windows related i.e. My Documents, Control Panel, I.E., Explorer, My Network Places, etc. a window pops up saying "Wait While Windows Configures Search Settings ", it always fails because it can't find the SearchSettings.msi package, and asks for its location. I searched, but could not find it. When I try to close this window an error 1706 is reported in yet another small window. If I keep clicking cancel these windows will eventually close and the application I am trying to open does so, and seems to function normally. None of this seems to happen with non Windows related programmes.

However, more recently I was unable to install a Skype update. Usually most software installations seem to install ok, but when I tried to install the latest version of Skype it tried to open the "Search Settings.msi" as previously mentioned, but of course failed. My laptop then just ignore all attempts to input to it, and just sat with the drive light on. It did eventually respond, but would not even attempt the Skype installation.

What can I do please to correct these problems, none of which existed prior to me trying to load Replay AV. I do not have the original Windows XP discs as it was pre-loaded. I did make an Operating System Recovery Disc when I first purchased the laptop, and there is an HP (Hewlet Packard) Recovery Partition on the hard disc, none of which I know how to access or use. However, I look upon a re-install of XP as a last resort, I really do hope it won't come to that. Please can anybody help me.

Regards

Baytree

 

To Pete,
I am not trying to jump ahead of you Pete but I want to be sure poster doesn't panic and realizes that this is a bho toolbar related [browser helper object] and can be fixed. No need to use anything real extreme such as an hp repair/restore. It's just a matter of finding the right fix method. I thought it may help if user understands a little on what may be causing this. So.....

Hi Baytree,

For some background research see this:
http://www.tech-archive.net/Archive...dowsxp.help_and_support/2007-12/msg00483.html

May also be used by other browser search engine or toolbar buggers such as Dealio.

Further reading: Just click on a few of these to check them out:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=SearchSettings.exe&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

You may have been better off leaving it uninstalled and not done a restore back to a point before you uninstalled it. In any case try google links suggest several ways to get rid of it. Number one thing that should be done is to "end task" on this via taskmanager:
control/alt/del>process tab>end task on searchsettings.exe.

 

Hi Pete & Ann,

Thanks for your replies, I really do appreciate your help. The good news is I seem to have managed to clear most of my problems. As Ann suggested I looked for SearchSettings under the Process tab in the Task Manager, but couldn't find it. However, using Explorer I was able to find the file SearchSettings in the Program File.
After reading some of the links Pete suggested I manually deleted it. I then ran CCleaner on the registry and deleted all it found. The only problem remaining is SearchSettings is still in the add/remove programmes list and I am not able to remove it?

Best Wishes

Baytree

 

Search Settings.msi" Missing

"Search Settings.msi" Missing
search settings 1.2'
can anybody help me please
or I will have to re install a new Window XP Pro with Sp 2 which I am not afford to.

 

Hi SSVASAN,

I am no expert on this but having just got rid of this problem by using the suggestions above, if you haven't already done so I would give them a try first.

Baytree