Windows Search service on our Windows Server 2016 system.

Question

Subject: Issue with Windows Search Service (SearchIndexer.exe & TQUERY.DLL Crash) on Windows Server 2016

Dear Microsoft Support Team,

We are experiencing an issue with the Windows Search service on our Windows Server 2016 system. Below are the details of the problem:
System Information:

• Operating System: Windows Server 2016 Standard (Version: 14393.2879)
• Problematic Application: SearchIndexer.exe (Version: 7.0.14393.2879)
• Faulting Module: TQUERY.DLL (Version: 7.0.14393.2879)
• Exception Code: 0xc0000409
• Fault Offset: 0x00000000000f4c3c
• Error Log Details: Event ID 7034, Service Control Manager, Unexpected termination of the Windows Search service.

The Windows Search service (SearchIndexer.exe) repeatedly crashes during its operation. According to the logs, the issue seems to originate from the TQUERY.DLL module. The crash occurs frequently, and as a result, search and indexing functionality is unavailable on the server.

1. Reinstallation of the Component:
   • We have removed and reinstalled the Windows Search feature using Server Manager and PowerShell commands.
2. File Replacement:
   • We replaced the TQUERY.DLL file with a backup version, ensuring it was properly signed and from a trusted source.
3. Data and Index Cleaning:
   • We stopped the Windows Search service, cleared the indexing data from C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data, and restarted the service.
4. System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:
   • We ran sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, but the issue persists.
5. Error Logs:
   • We have reviewed Event Viewer logs, and the crash consistently points to SearchIndexer.exe and TQUERY.DLL.

Could you please assist us in identifying the root cause of this issue and provide a resolution? We would like to know if there are any updates, patches, or configuration changes that can resolve this problem. If needed, we are happy to provide additional log files or diagnostic information.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to your guidance.

Best regards,

***Move from Windows / Windows 10 / Files, folders, and storage***

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to windows search.

The TQUERY.DLL file is an integral component of the Windows operating system, particularly related to search functions. It is part of the Microsoft Tripoli Query, which is involved in the search indexing process and assists in handling search queries within Windows.

Try rebuild search index use Control Panel. Go to Indexing Options. Click on Advanced. Under the Index Settings tab, click Rebuild.

Install the latest windows update in Settings/ Windows update/ Check for updates.

Try run below commands to reinstall search service in powershell:

Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name Search-Service
Install-WindowsFeature -Name Search-Service

Have a nice day. 

Best Regards,

Molly

Answer 2

Dear Molly,

Thank you for your response regarding the issue with Windows Search and the TQUERY.DLL crash.

We have already attempted the steps you provided, but unfortunately, the issue persists. Below are the specific actions we have taken so far:

1. Rebuilding the Search Index:
   • We have rebuilt the search index through Control Panel → Indexing Options → Advanced → Rebuild. The issue remains unresolved.
2. Reinstalling the Search Feature:
   • We used PowerShell to uninstall and reinstall the Search Service using the commands: Uninstall-WindowsFeature -Name Search-Service Install-WindowsFeature -Name Search-Service

• Despite this, the SearchIndexer.exe process continues to crash, and the Event Viewer consistently logs errors pointing to TQUERY.DLL.

1. Additionally, we have tried:
2. Running sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair system files.
   • Replacing the TQUERY.DLL file with a clean copy from a backup.
   • Clearing and recreating the indexing data in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data.
3. Despite all these efforts, the service crashes repeatedly with the following error:
   • Faulting Application: SearchIndexer.exe
   • Faulting Module: TQUERY.DLL
   • Exception Code: 0xc0000409
   We suspect this may be related to a deeper issue with the search service or specific compatibility problems. Could you please escalate this issue to the appropriate team for further investigation? If needed, we are prepared to provide detailed logs or additional diagnostics. Thank you for your assistance.

Answer 3

Hello,

This forum mainly discusses technical issues and share related information, so there is no such escalation resource to such team for further investigation. Also, analyzing detailed logs or additional diagnostics are out of forum range.

If above steps all fail, it is recommended to report this issue to Microsoft, use the Feedback Hub app. To learn more, see Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app:

Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

Best regards,

Molly