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Resetting the indexing options to the original location in Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2014-11-10T04:32:36+00:00

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone knew how to reset the indexing options to it's original location in WIndows 8.1? I placed the index folder on a hard drive because I heard that it can clog up a SSD. Now I decided that I want it back to where it was. I cannot find any simple reset button, so I would appreciate if someone could help me. 

Thanks

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-11-14T12:55:52+00:00

    Hello,

    Thank you for contacting Microsoft Community.

    From the issue description, I understand that you want to know how to reset the indexing options to its original location.

    1. Did you get any permission prompt on the screen when you tried to move index folder to the hard drive?

    The index requires almost no maintenance. However, if the index can't find a file that you know exists in an indexed location, you might need to rebuild the index. Rebuilding the index can take several hours, and searches might be incomplete until the index is fully rebuilt. Follow the below steps to rebuild the indexing.

    1. Press Windows Logo + R keys together to get the Run option.
    2. Type Control and click Ok.
    3. Type “Indexing Options” in the search bar and then click Indexing Options.
    4. Click Advanced,if you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
    5. In the Advanced Options dialog box, click the Index Settings tab, and then click Rebuild. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

    Note: As confirmed by **Shawn "Cmdr" Keene [MVP]**replied **** on November 11, 2014, the indexing folder would automatically rebuild to is default location is C:\ProgramData\Microsoft

    And the folder ProgramData would be hidden, you will have to unhide the **** ProgramDatafolder to view the files and folders within **ProgramData.**Please follow the below steps to unhide the hidden folder,

    1. Open the User Account folder andclick on the “ View ”tab.
    2. Select “ Options **”**and then “ change folder and search options ”.
    3. Select the “ view **”**tab and then place a dot next to “ Show hidden files and folders ”.
    4. Click on “ Apply **”**and then “ Ok ”.

    Note : Make sure you undo the changes after performing the troubleshooting steps.

    Hope the above information was helpful, kindly get back to us if you need any further assistance.

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2017-09-17T03:40:35+00:00

    The person who asked the question was asking how to reset the location for where the index is stored, not to reset the set of locations that get indexed (two very different things).  I answered the question correctly and they even came back and confirmed that it was exactly what they wanted and even typed "thank you" to me.

    So yes, I do read the questions.

    As for your completely separate question, I'd be happy to help you too, even though you were incredibly rude and hateful.  I even bookmarked this so I could remember to come back and provide an answer for you.

    The default locations that are indexed in a brand new installation of Windows are:

    1. Internet Explorer History
    2. Start Menu (c:\programdata\microsoft\windows\Start Menu)
    3. Users folders (under C:\users) with the exclusions of the AppData folders.

    Please note that if you removed/unchecked the Start menu and want to add it back, you'll need to turn on the display of hidden/protected OS system files in your Folder Options first, so that you can see the folder when selecting it in the "modify locations" dialog.

     I apologise it's been a few months, as I've had some major life events that took me away and I was just going back through my bookmarks.

    50+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2017-08-03T22:28:31+00:00

    Do you idiots even read the questions? What are the default locations that are indexed!!!!! Not how to rebuild it and all that bullsh*t.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. @CmdrKeene 90,621 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-11-10T19:53:36+00:00

    The default location is C:\ProgramData\Microsoft

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2017-11-21T10:53:52+00:00

    Odly enough, the answer desk didn't know how to do this. Now, my external drive and internal drive are appropriately indexed and feeling good!

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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