Start>Search causes freeze ups.

[algae1]

Hi all,
I'm running Win XP Pro. A7N8X Deluxe Motherboard, Athlon 2500+, 1 G Dual Channel Ram, Ati 9600 Pro video,
For the past few days, whenever I go to Start > Search the system freezes for a minute or so and then unlocks but the search function never starts.
I'ver scanned with Adaware, Spybot, and MS Spyware. I've also reinstalled video drivers and run sfc /scannow. I've searched around and found a few similar problems but no solutions.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Gary

 

[linney]

Try this link with a view to fixing your search engine.

http://www.dougknox.com/

Click on WIN XP FIXES on the left of the page and look for "Win XP Search Problems".

Reinstall Search assistant

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/windowsxp/articles/399/1/Reinstall-Search-assistant

Error Message: "A File That Is Required to Run Search Companion Cannot Be Found" (Q315330)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q315330

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Search.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?).

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[algae1]

Thanks for the great info. With the exception of two of those (which I have now tried without success), I have done everything except reinstall Windows. I'm a little worried about data loss if I do that though.

Gary

 

[algae1]

Forgot to mention...it runs fine in safe mode. Does that help?

Thanks
Gary

 

[linney]

Check for malware again using this FAQ. And make sure you are using the latest definitions by updating AdAware etc.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650


310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310560&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH