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Indexing is not running (Windows Search) in Windows 7

Anonymous
2016-10-05T23:27:19+00:00

Hi Everyone,

I have Windows 7 Home Premium with Service Pack 1. My Asus laptop is not compatible with Windows 10, so I cannot upgrade.

During the past month, I have been having issues with Windows Search. When I click the "ball" and search programs and files, nothing comes up. I access Control Panel and Indexing Options, and no file or e-mail options appear. When I select the troubleshooting option, it reads, "Indexing is not running." I select the option for Administrator and additional prompts, which then attempts to fix the issue. Suddenly, "The Program Searchindexer.exe has failed recently" appears with the yellow triangle.  I am asked if I want to search other help options. When I exit this screen and go back to the Search Index dialog box (which had previously shown no search options) it is filled up with the search options, such as the drives and folders I selected when everything was working properly.

This has happened three times within the past month. I have done nothing new with my computer, except to install the Grammarly app, which pops up in Google Chrome.  I have checked for viruses with Norton, but they only found cookies and a few other items, which they were able to fix. 

Is there anything I can do to fix this -- aside from continually having to run the troubleshooter? I have several optional Windows 7 updates, but I am not sure if any apply.

Any help will be appreciated.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-10-06T20:57:08+00:00

    Hi Toody,

    Let's get your indexing to work properly. Please do the steps below:

    1. Check if your Search Service is Active.
      • On your keyboard, press windows logo key + R then type Services.msc.
      • In the Services window, look for Windows Search service.
      • Right-click on Windows Search and then click Properties.
      • On Windows Search Properties (Local Computer) pop-up window, under the S tartup type, set it to A utomatic (Delayed Start) then click Apply.
    2. Check if Windows Search Index is Enabled.
      • On your keyboard, press Windows logo key + R then type Appwiz.cpl.
      • On the left pane of your Programs and Features window, click Turn Windows features on or off.
      • The Windows Features pop-up window will show up, look for Windows Search and Indexing Service make sure it is checked.
    3. Rebuild the Windows Search Index.
      • On your keyboard, press windows logo key + R then type Control Panel.
      • Go to Indexing Options.
      • On your Indexing Options window**,** click Advanced.
      • On the Advance Options pop-up window, under troubleshooting click Rebuild.

    After that, restart your computer and check your indexing.

    Let us know how it goes.

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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