Location keeps disappearing from "Index these locations"

Question

Hello,

I have problem with file indexing on Windows Server 2012 R2. Selected location disappears from "Index these locations" in "Indexing options". Result of this behavior is that I can use search on server but can't open any search result. Files are listed as white inaccessible icons (can't do left or right click, nothing).

Issue can be fixed by rebuilding file indexes. Location will appear on the list again but only for few hours.

Event Viewer about "Search":

event id 3036 Search The Content Source (winrt://{S-1-5-21-702083037-4092738604-3781158956-500) cannot Be Accessed. Parameter is incorrect HRESULT : 0x80070057

My guess is some file (or location) is disrupting indexing process but how can I find it?

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Hello MJ,

The issue you're experiencing where selected locations keep disappearing from "Index these locations" and search results become inaccessible usually it is due to a corrupted database. Please try the next:

a. Open "Indexing Options" from the Control Panel.

b. Click on the "Advanced" button.

c. In the "Advanced Options" window, click the "Rebuild" button under the Troubleshooting section.

This will initiate the rebuilding process, which might take some time

If you suspect that some location may be giving some trouble, such as external drives,folders with thousands of files or long directory path, you can try excluding that path from Indexing:

a. In "Indexing Options," click on the "Modify" button.

b. Deselect the problematic location from the list of indexed locations.

c. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Other than that, you can attempt a verification of system health and restore though the steps in the next link:

• Perform a DISM health check and repair: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/repair-a-windows-image?view=windows-11

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