my windows 7 'search program and files ' not functioning

Question

For last few weeks the search bar at the very bottom of windows main navigation is not working. Can anybody give the possible ways to fix this.

Answer 1

You can also try rebuilding your search index. Open the Control Panel, select Indexing Options, choose Advanced, and click the Rebuild button:

Answer 2

I did an awfully simple thing - In Taskbar and Start Menu properties, under Start Menu customize, I ticked the box Search with Public Folders. I remembered I unticked that box earlier on. Now I do get search results.

Answer 3

1. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard.

2. In the Run box, type regedit and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

3. Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}

4. Right-click this subkey, and then select Delete. Restart the computer.

Source: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977380#top