Member Avatar for kermie

Hello and greetings

I have a computer using XP as the operating system and with SP 2 installed. I recently had a bad virus infection that thanks to the help from this website was able to remove and I am very grateful as the commercial virus removal programs couldnt help me. Unfortunately however since that time, I cannot get into the windows search window directly. If I try and start it from the start menu or from the left click on the start button, the computer simply sits there doing nothing, doesnt respond or anything. I can however still do a search by opening up the explorer window and then selecting search from the tool bar and it works fine.

Do I need to completely reinstall XP (a path I would rather not go down for the obvious reason) or is there some way to tweak or patch the sytem to repair this fault

Thank you

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by goldeagle2005

Dani AI

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A few focused diagnostics will save a reinstall. Noting ’s symptom (search from Explorer works but Start->Search does nothing) and seeing the same, the search engine itself is probably intact — the problem is most likely the Start-menu shell, a user profile, or leftover registry/COM issues after the infection. ’s suggestion to run Setup/Upgrade is valid as a last resort; try the cheaper tests first.

Try these quick checks and fixes:

  • Press Windows Key+F to invoke Search directly. If that does nothing, the problem is not just the Start-button shortcut.
  • Create a new administrative user account and test Search there. If it works, the original user profile is corrupted.
  • Do a Clean Boot: run msconfig, hide Microsoft services, disable remaining services and startup items, reboot and test. This isolates third-party shell extensions.
  • Check Event Viewer (Control Panel -> Administrative Tools) right after reproducing the problem for DLL/COM or application errors that point to a component failure.
  • Run sfc /scannow from Run. Let it replace corrupted system files (it will prompt for the XP CD if needed).
  • If available, try System Restore to a point before the infection.

If those do not fix it, an in-place Repair/Upgrade install (run XP Setup from inside Windows and choose Upgrade) will replace system files and COM registrations without wiping user data or most applications. Use an XP CD that matches (or is newer than) the installed Service Pack, back up personal files first, and be prepared to reinstall post-SP updates and possibly some drivers.

Finally, re-scan with up-to-date anti-malware tools to ensure no remnants remain. If Search works from Explorer but not the Start menu, concentrate on the user profile and shell extensions before pursuing a full reinstall.

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Member Avatar for idRATHERgoHUNT

same thing has happened to me what Anti-virus/Spyware/Ad-aware tools are you using?

i still havent fixed this promblem :evil:

Member Avatar for kermie

Zone alarm = firewall
AVG = antivirus
Lavasoft Ad-aware = spyware and ads

Are your similar?

If U find a solution, let me know

regards

Kermie

Member Avatar for goldeagle2005

Run Windows Setup. When prompted to choose between an Upgrade or a Clean Install. choose Upgrade. That won't wipe your settings out....

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