Member Avatar for beep

At one point recently I booted up Vista and got one of those "possible corrupt files" (can't remember exactly phrasing) messages basically wanting me to run a full ChkDsk to correct the problem. Ever since, I keep getting the message that Windows Search (the service) is not functioning.

It is just amazing that after years, Vista manages to come up with new and inscrutable ways to fuck up.

Any thoughts on getting this service back? When trying to start the service I end up with "error 1053: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion." Also, I get LOTS of pop-up messages about it, inviting me to let M$ look up a 'solution' on line. Big "Heeeee" there, if it wasn't so sad.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by "ICode"

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Brief, practical next steps that add to what and @ICode suggested — aimed at diagnosing the 1053 failure and recovering the search index without re-running the whole troubleshooter or reformatting.

Start with diagnostics (Event Viewer + file integrity). Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and look under Windows Logs → System and Application for errors recorded when you tried to start Windows Search. Those entries will usually name the exact problem (permission denied, missing DLL, timeout). Run the system file checker from an elevated command prompt to repair protected system files:

sfc /scannow

If Event Viewer shows timeouts but no clear missing file, add a longer service startup timeout (this avoids 1053 when a service just needs more time):

reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control" /v ServicesPipeTimeout /t REG_DWORD /d 60000 /f

Rebuild the search database (this often cures persistent failures and repeated popups). Stop the service, take ownership of the Search data folder, rename the Data folder so Windows will create a fresh index, then restart the service:

sc stop "WSearch"

takeown /f "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search" /r /d y
icacls "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search" /grant Administrators:F /t

rename "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data" "Data_OLD"

net start "WSearch"

Allow hours for the index to rebuild; search will be slow until then. Because @ICode mentioned profile corruption, test with a new local administrator account — if Search runs there the problem is profile-specific and you can migrate data or recreate the profile. Always create a restore point and back up any files before editing the registry or removing index files. If these steps fail, the remaining options are reinstalling the Windows Search feature or performing a Vista repair install as a last resort.

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Member Avatar for SgtMe

Have you checked that the service is enabled to run automatically on startup and that the process is allowed to run? Go to services and features and make sure "Windows Search" is enabled. Also go to "Windows Features" and make sure that it is allowed. (I am using Windows 7 so those options may not be there).

Member Avatar for beep

Yes, I have attempted to start this from the services panel. That is where I get the error message that I've posted. I try and set the Windows Search service now to disabled just so I don't keep getting the G.D'ed pop-up messages that this service isn't working; would you like to send a message to M$, which seems to be about as useful as punching a 'walk' button in Manhattan. The entire function is screwed up in some way.

Member Avatar for "ICode"

if it told you to chkdsk then i think you should.

im using win7 but this (the following) might be available on win vista ...

-go to control panel
-go to system and security
-go to troubleshoot common computer problems (thats whats written on win7 and its under ACTION CENTER )
-then go to system and security
-then go to search and indexing under WINDOWS
-click on advanced and 'Run as Administrator'

and let microsoft do its magic (although vista doesnt really have that much magic)
and by the way, this is for win7, not sure if win vista put troubleshooting in the same place, but search for it!

...mark as solved ... if solved

Edited by "ICode" because: n/a
Member Avatar for beep

if it told you to chkdsk then i think you should.

im using win7 but this (the following) might be available on win vista ...

-go to control panel
-go to system and security
-go to troubleshoot common computer problems (thats whats written on win7 and its under ACTION CENTER )
-then go to system and security
-then go to search and indexing under WINDOWS
-click on advanced and 'Run as Administrator'

and let microsoft do its magic (although vista doesnt really have that much magic)
and by the way, this is for win7, not sure if win vista put troubleshooting in the same place, but search for it!

...mark as solved ... if solved

I am still running Vista (sob!! M$ should admit that this was at BEST an alpha proggie and give us credit to a real and functioning OS -- like that's gonna happen). At any rate, your solution only works in the world of 7. So, nowhere NEAR solved. Thanks for looking tho :)

Member Avatar for "ICode"

you could try this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833, just follow the instructions

also a corrupted user profile can make this error occur, so go here:

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