Reset Windows Search to Defaults

clip_image002 Reset Windows Search to Defaults

Problem description
When searching in Windows Vista you may get a message: Search Failed to Initialize.

Solution Information

This Fix it Solution automates the steps described in the following MVP blog post: https://www.winvistaclub.com/t24.html

  • Only runs on Vista
  • Stops the Windows Search Service
  • Configures the service to start= auto
  • Sets HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search\SetupCompletedSuccessfully to 0 (zero).
  • Starts the Windows Search Service

Many thanks to MVP Anand Khanse aka HappyAndyK for his contributions to this Fix it Solution.