Windows Search Problem - Windows Server

Question

Hello,

We have a problem on several Windows servers, with different operating systems (2016, 2019 and 2022). Windows Search isn't really working, we have the feature installed, and the Windows Search service is running.

The problem is that when we go to the indexing options, which are inside the control panel, it indicates that the search has finished with few items and nothing appears in the list of locations. Nor does it allow us to modify to include C.

Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with Windows Search where it's not indexing the content correctly on your servers. This can happen for various reasons, including corrupted search databases, improper configuration, or permission issues. Let's go through some steps that might help resolve the issue.

1. Restart the Windows Search Service
   • Open the Services app (you can do this by typing services.msc in the Run dialog, which you access with Windows + R).
   • Locate the Windows Search service.
   • Right-click on it and select Restart.
   • Once it's restarted, check if the indexing options have changed.
2. Rebuild the Search Index
   • Open the Control Panel and go to Indexing Options.
   • Click on the Advanced button.
   • In the Index Settings tab, click on Rebuild. This will clear the index and force Windows to start over.
   • Rebuilding the index may take some time, so be patient and let it complete.
3. Ensure the Indexing Locations are Correct
   • In the Indexing Options, make sure that your C: drive or other relevant locations are included.
   • If the C: drive is not listed, you may need to add it manually once the rebuilding process is completed.
4. Check Folder Permissions
   • Ensure that the SYSTEM account has the necessary permissions to access the folders you're trying to index.
   • Right-click on the folder (e.g., C:) and go to Properties.
   • Under the Security tab, check that the SYSTEM account has full control.
5. Check for Group Policies Restricting Indexing
   • It's possible that a group policy might be restricting indexing on your servers.
   • Open the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
   • Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search.
   • Look for settings that may disable indexing or search and make sure they're properly configured.
6. Update Windows
   • Make sure your servers are up to date with the latest Windows updates and patches. Sometimes, a bug in the operating system can cause issues that are resolved with updates.
7. Reset the Search Service (if necessary)
   • You can reset the Windows Search service using the following commands in an elevated Command Prompt (run as administrator):

       cmdCopy codenet stop wsearch
     
       cmdCopy codenet start wsearch
     

   • This will stop and start the search service.
8. Check Event Viewer for Errors
   • Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and look for any warnings or errors related to Windows Search under Windows Logs > Application or System.
   • These logs can provide more information on what might be causing the problem.
9. Repair the Windows Search Feature
   • Open Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows features on or off.
   • Uncheck the Windows Search option and restart your server.
   • After restarting, go back to the Windows features and re-enable Windows Search, then restart again.

Answer 2

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to Windows Search service.

Sometimes, you can resolve Windows Search issues by restarting Windows Font Cache Service. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, enter services.msc to open the Services console.
2. In the right pane, right-click Windows Font Cache Service, and then select Stop.
3. Try to search again.
4. In the Services console, right-click Windows Font Cache Service, and then select Start.

You can also try use the Windows Search and Indexing troubleshooter to try to fix any problems that might arise. To use the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Open a Command Prompt window, and then run the following command:

    msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic
   

2. Run the troubleshooter and select any problems that apply. Windows tries to detect and solve those problems.

Have a nice day. 

Best Regards,

Molly