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Windows search service cannot be started. Get "Error 21: the device is not ready"

Anonymous
2023-01-20T00:02:48+00:00

I (re)installed Windows 10 last July (2022) and since then the search in Outlook has not worked. Starting to be bothered (a lot) by not being able to do searches.

I've search the web and tried several solutions:

https://www.urtech.ca/2018/11/solved-outlook-something-went-wrong-and-your-search-couldnt-be-completed/ https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/57567-restore-default-services-windows-10-a.html

Neither of these have solved the problem. Other solutions I've found generally loop back to one of the two above links.

PC info:

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770K CPU @ 3.50GHz 3.90 GHz

Installed RAM 8.00 GB (7.89 GB usable)

Device ID 2B0394D7-69BA-4F61-8EE9-834D61ECBD68

Product ID 00330-80000-00000-AA687

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display

Windows Spec:

Edition Windows 10 Pro

Version 21H2

Installed on ‎7/‎18/‎2022

OS build 19044.2486

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4190.0

I have run a file system check, sfc /scannow, to ensure c: is clean.

Also, what device "is not ready".

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-01-23T16:53:40+00:00

    Elise, thanks for the two previous replies.

    Taskbar searches and windows explorer searches work fine. Outlook doesn't. Don't know if there are other searches that are related that I could try.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-01-22T10:56:34+00:00

    I’m not sure what device it is referring to with this. Do you also have issues with Windows search from the taskbar or is it just Outlook?

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-01-22T00:38:48+00:00

    Thanks for the thought.

    Ran the repair. It didn't tell me what/if any it repaired but reported it had run and was complete.

    The problem is still there though. The exact same symptoms as reported above.

    Any other thoughts? And what "device is not ready"

    Thanks

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-01-20T01:19:40+00:00

    Hi, I'm Elise, and I'd be happy to help with your issue.

    I would suggest running an office repair to resolve your issue, please see this article for full instructions: https://support.microsoft.com/office/7821d4b6-7...

    Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

    Kind Regards,

    Elise

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