Search icon/link in Start Menu has disappeared

[pacpalm]

I am running Windows XP Home SP2. On the lower right side of the pop-up start menu there is normally a magnifying glass (icon) next to the word "search" in between links for "help and support" and "run".
My "search" icon (and thus my link) in my start menu has disappeared and I have no idea how to restore it.
This search icon/link appears, though, at the top of and on the left-hand side of the window that opens when I click "my computer/hard drive letter". It functions just fine.
But, as I've said, it is hidden from view on my start menu.
Would anyone know of a solution to this unexpected problem?
Many thanks.

[AmberJain]

I am running Windows XP Home SP2. On the lower right side of the pop-up start menu there is normally a magnifying glass (icon) next to the word "search" in between links for "help and support" and "run".
My "search" icon (and thus my link) in my start menu has disappeared and I have no idea how to restore it.
This search icon/link appears, though, at the top of and on the left-hand side of the window that opens when I click "my computer/hard drive letter". It functions just fine.
But, as I've said, it is hidden from view on my start menu.
Would anyone know of a solution to this unexpected problem?
Many thanks.

__________________________________________________ _______________
Follow the steps below to restore the "search" option in start menu----->

1. Right click [start] menu button and click properties. A window with the title "Taskbar and start menu properties" opens up.

2. Click on the [start menu] tab above the window.

3. Click on [customize] buttton in the window.
--------------NOTE~ You can click any customize button out of the two buttons in the window.

4. Click on [advanced] tab.

5. In the panel titled [Start menu items:], scroll down to find an option as [search]. Select the check box next to it.

6. Click on [OK] and then on [Apply].
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS..................

[pacpalm]

Thank you for taking the time to send a reply to my problem.
Alas, your suggestion doesn't work.
Why? Because under the Advanced Tab and taskbar setup options, there is no entry for "search". I had known about this method of adding or deleting icons from the start menu but when this problem developed, I looked but never found the "search" option to either check (add) or uncheck (delete)! That, too, if it is to be there, has disappeared! Where do I go from here?
Thanks in advance.

[AmberJain]

Thank you for taking the time to send a reply to my problem.
Alas, your suggestion doesn't work.
Why? Because under the Advanced Tab and taskbar setup options, there is no entry for "search". I had known about this method of adding or deleting icons from the start menu but when this problem developed, I looked but never found the "search" option to either check (add) or uncheck (delete)! That, too, if it is to be there, has disappeared! Where do I go from here?
Thanks in advance.

Don't look into taskbar setup options (as you said in your reply). Just follow EXACTLY once again what I said in my reply #2. You must get the option of adding search option to start menu. Even if you had not unchecked it, it might be done by any malicious file so follow as I said in my reply #2 above.
You can check out the ATTACHED IMAGE below this reply, to see that such an option exist on windows XP home SP2 (the one you are using).
__________________________________________________ _______________
Remember that if this doesnot solves your problem, I'm searching for any other help I can provide to you. If I find something, I will tell you.

[pacpalm]

Hello again. Thank you once again for your advice.

I have done exactly as you have suggested. In fact, I did that also the first time. In my "start menu items" under "link to connections network folder", I do not have a "search" box (to check) between "scroll programs" and "set program access and defaults". It simply is not there. It has disappeared. And I don't know why.

In previous efforts to solve this problem, I had known of this option and had wondered why the box and the term "search" was missing. It is for this reason that I can not correct my problem by this method. Is there another solution, short of reinstalling XP (which I do not want to do).

Thanks in advance.

[AmberJain]

Hello again. Thank you once again for your advice.

I have done exactly as you have suggested. In fact, I did that also the first time. In my "start menu items" under "link to connections network folder", I do not have a "search" box (to check) between "scroll programs" and "set program access and defaults". It simply is not there. It has disappeared. And I don't know why.

In previous efforts to solve this problem, I had known of this option and had wondered why the box and the term "search" was missing. It is for this reason that I can not correct my problem by this method. Is there another solution, short of reinstalling XP (which I do not want to do).

Thanks in advance.

Don't lose hope............
Well I'm searching for a registry trick to do what you want. If I find something I will tell you.
[IMG]ambrnewlearner[/IMG]

[AmberJain]

Do following exactly--------->

1. Click on [start]---->[run].

2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and press enter.

3. In the left pane click on------->
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER]---->[Software]---->[Microsoft]----->[Windows]-----> [CurrentVersion]----->[Explorer]---->[Advanced].

4. Now search for a DWORD value in the right pane with name [Start_ShowSearch].

5. Right click this DWORD value and click [modify]. Type value data as 1 (in the window that opens titled "Edit DWORD Value") and click on OK.

************************************************** *****************************************
NOTE-------------------------------------->
If DWORD value with name [Start_ShowSearch] doesnot exist, then you will need to create one by right clicking anywhere (except in places where there are keys) in right pane of regedit and click on [New]---->[DWORD Value]. Type the name as Start_ShowSearch. Then do as in step 5 above.
************************************************** *****************************************

6. Press F5 (to refresh the regedit).

7. Exit and restart your computer.

You will find search option in start menu now.
__________________________________________________ _______________
If your problem remains unsolved, do tell me. I will then tell you more ways to do the same thing.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS.........................................

[art4167]

Hi
My windows xp search function disappear too. Not only shortcut but
[windows button] + [F] also doesn't work. Now i already modify as all the upper reply said but it does't work too. Do you have another solution for this problem?

If my contents are look as impolite please forgive me, my English is not strong.

Thank you very much.

[AmberJain]

Try this....this will most probably (I'm 99% sure) solve your problem....

1. Open "Group Policy editor" i.e.
Goto [start]--->[run]. Type gpedit.msc and then press enter (or return)

2. Scroll down to following location (in left pane in window that opens) to configure Start menu features:

User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Start Menu and Taskbar

3. Find an entry in the right pane with name---"Remove search menu from start menu". Right click this entry and click on [properties].

5. In the window that opens select the radio button next to "Not configured" option. Click on [apply] and then on [OK].

6. Exit "Group Policy Editor" and check out start menu for [search] option.
This will also enable [windows logo key]+F3 shortcut.
__________________________________________________ _______________
If you still have problem, do tell me.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS..............
__________________________________________________ _______________

[art4167]

Thank you very much for your help.

About your solution No. 5, My computer currently set as "not configured".

5. In the window that opens select the radio button next to "Not configured" option. Click on [apply] and then on [OK].

for your information
I remember I found that my search function was disappear after I installed Kaspersky Anti-virus V6 but i'm not sure, it's because of anti-virus or virus those I infected or not.

[pacpalm]

Do following exactly--------->

1. Click on [start]---->[run].

2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and press enter.

3. In the left pane click on------->
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER]---->[Software]---->[Microsoft]----->[Windows]-----> [CurrentVersion]----->[Explorer]---->[Advanced].

4. Now search for a DWORD value in the right pane with name [Start_ShowSearch].

5. Right click this DWORD value and click [modify]. Type value data as 1 (in the window that opens titled "Edit DWORD Value") and click on OK.

************************************************** *****************************************
NOTE-------------------------------------->
If DWORD value with name [Start_ShowSearch] doesnot exist, then you will need to create one by right clicking anywhere (except in places where there are keys) in right pane of regedit and click on [New]---->[DWORD Value]. Type the name as Start_ShowSearch. Then do as in step 5 above.
************************************************** *****************************************

6. Press F5 (to refresh the regedit).

7. Exit and restart your computer.

You will find search option in start menu now.
__________________________________________________ _______________
If your problem remains unsolved, do tell me. I will then tell you more ways to do the same thing.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS.........................................

Hello again (third time). I tried your solution as you wrote it above. I found Start_ShowSearch, opened it and found that the DWORD value was already set to 1. There was nothing to change or add. I hit the F5 button, but didn't notice anything happen [except that it activated the function whereby you can choose between multiple monitors]. After a reboot, I checked my Start Menu and discovered (sadly, sigh) no change. I did this several times but had no luck.
I then looked into the solution you provided to another person who has a problem similar to mine. But I couldn't get past "run". The key word "gpedit.msc" wouldn't register. I kept getting an error message that said that it didn't exist.
So, I'm no further along than when I posted my first note. Any ideas?? And thanks for the help. (^_^)

[AmberJain]

Thank you very much for your help.

About your solution No. 5, My computer currently set as "not configured".



for your information
I remember I found that my search function was disappear after I installed Kaspersky Anti-virus V6 but i'm not sure, it's because of anti-virus or virus those I infected or not.

__________________________________________________ _______________
NOTE : This message is different from my last reply (although they seem to be astonishingly similar). Notice carefully that some changes are made in this reply.
__________________________________________________ _______________
Well, I don't think this problem is a result of installing Kaspersky AV V6 as one of my friend (using same Anti virus) doesnot faces this problem.
Try using this------>

1. Open "Group Policy editor" i.e.
Goto [start]--->[run]. Type gpedit.msc and then press enter (or return)

2. Scroll down to following location (in left pane in window that opens) to configure Start menu features:

User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Start Menu and Taskbar

3. Find an entry in the right pane with name---"Remove search menu from start menu". Right click this entry and click on [properties].
************************************************** ******************************************
5. In the window that opens select the radio button next to "Disabled" option. Click on [apply] and then on [OK].
************************************************** ******************************************
6. Exit "Group Policy Editor" and check out start menu for [search] option.
This will also enable [windows logo key]+F3 shortcut.
__________________________________________________ _______________
If you still have problem, do tell me.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS..............
__________________________________________________ _______________

[AmberJain]

Hello again (third time). I tried your solution as you wrote it above. I found Start_ShowSearch, opened it and found that the DWORD value was already set to 1. There was nothing to change or add. I hit the F5 button, but didn't notice anything happen [except that it activated the function whereby you can choose between multiple monitors]. After a reboot, I checked my Start Menu and discovered (sadly, sigh) no change. I did this several times but had no luck.
I then looked into the solution you provided to another person who has a problem similar to mine. But I couldn't get past "run". The key word "gpedit.msc" wouldn't register. I kept getting an error message that said that it didn't exist.
So, I'm no further along than when I posted my first note. Any ideas?? And thanks for the help. (^_^)

To open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), follow these steps------>
1. Goto [run] in start menu and type :-

C:\WINDOWS\system32\gpedit.msc

and click on "OK". (Replace C: here with the drive name on which Windows XP is installed)

This will open gpedit.msc. Then follow steps as in my reply #12 above.
************************************************** *****************************************
If still gpedit.msc doesnot opens, open it manually by clicking on:
[My Computer]----->C: (NOTE : The drive on which windows is installed) ----->Windows----->system32
Search gpedit.msc in this folder and double click it to open it and then follow as in my reply#12 above.

If you still face the problem, do tell me.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS.............................

[pacpalm]

To open Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), follow these steps------>
1. Goto [run] in start menu and type :-

C:\WINDOWS\system32\gpedit.msc

and click on "OK". (Replace C: here with the drive name on which Windows XP is installed)

This will open gpedit.msc. Then follow steps as in my reply #12 above.
************************************************** *****************************************
If still gpedit.msc does not open, open it manually by clicking on:
[My Computer]----->C: (NOTE : The drive on which windows is installed) ----->Windows----->system32
Search gpedit.msc in this folder and double click it to open it and then follow as in my reply#12 above.

If you still face the problem, do tell me.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS.............................

Hello (again) to ambrnewlearner,

I'm sorry to report that your latest suggestion did not work. I did a search of my hard drive (C) and I do not have the file <gpedit.msc> on my computer. I do not know why I do not have the file. Am I supposed to have it??

So, I can not implement your suggestion.
What do you think I should do now??

Thanks for your continued interest.

[AmberJain]

Hello (again) to ambrnewlearner,

I'm sorry to report that your latest suggestion did not work. I did a search of my hard drive (C) and I do not have the file <gpedit.msc> on my computer. I do not know why I do not have the file. Am I supposed to have it??

So, I can not implement your suggestion.
What do you think I should do now??

Thanks for your continued interest.

__________________________________________________ _______________
The utility gpedit.msc is only available in the Windows XP Professional
Edition. It is not available on XP home editions. The reson for it is below :

"Gpedit.msc" is a Group Policy Editor to define user and computer
configurations for groups of users and computers. Because Windows XP Home
Edition is not designed to enter a domain, some domain related utilities
(for example: Gpedit.msc) are also not included in the Windows XP Home
Edition.

So (PROBABLY) you are using XP home. Now DON't LOSE HOPE......

Try the following utility (Windows XP Security Console) fromDoug Knox (link below):

LINK

Now that is what you are left with (PROBABLY). So download the utility found at above link and work with it to get your start option back in start menu.

If you face problem using the utility mentioned above, do tell me. I will help you in that matter.
__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS..................

[AmberJain]

Try this. This is my last hope with this problem.

Copy the code below and save it in a file with .vbs extension in notepad.

~~NOTE~~ Your anti virus may mark this file as a malicious file as it modifies registry. Simply ignore the warning. I have tested this file on my PC.
Backup all important system files (especially regedit.exe) and all your important
data before running this file even though I have tested it.
__________________________________________________ _______________
'Enable/Disable Find on Start Menu and Windows-F keys
'© Doug Knox - rev 12/03/99

Option Explicit

'Declare variables
Dim WSHShell, n, MyBox, p, p1, t, mustboot, errnum
Dim itemtype
Dim enab, disab, jobfunc

Set WSHShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
p = "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Po licies\Explorer\"
p1 = "NoFind"
p = p & p1
itemtype = "REG_DWORD"
mustboot = "Log off and back on, or restart your pc to" & vbCR & "effect the changes"
enab = "ENABLED" & vbCR
disab = "DISABLED" & vbCR
jobfunc = "The Start Menu Find and the " & vbCR
jobfunc = jobfunc & "Windows-F keys are now "

'This section tries to read the registry key value. If not present an
'error is generated. Normal error return should be 0 if value is
'present
t = "Confirmation"
Err.Clear
On Error Resume Next
n = WSHShell.RegRead (p)
On Error Goto 0
errnum = Err.Number

if errnum <> 0 then
'Create the registry key value for NoFind with value 0
WSHShell.RegWrite p, 0, itemtype
End If

'If the key is present, or was created, it is toggled
'Confirmations can be disabled by commenting out
'the two MyBox lines below

If n = 0 Then
n = 1
WSHShell.RegWrite p, n, itemtype
Mybox = MsgBox(jobfunc & disab & vbCR & mustboot, 4096, t)
ElseIf n = 1 then
n = 0
WSHShell.RegWrite p, n, itemtype
Mybox = MsgBox(jobfunc & enab & vbCR & mustboot, 4096, t)
End If
__________________________________________________ _______________
Now close notepad and double click the file you saved just now. Click on OK in confirmation dialog box and then restart your PC or simply log-off and then log in back.

This should solve your problem as far as I assume.
If you face any problem still, do tell me.

__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS..................................

[pacpalm]

Thank you for your untiring help. I hadn't looked at this site for about a week and am pleased to find that you have been able to offer yet another solution to my problem.
Yes, I run Windows XP Home edition (SP2).
I will try the Security Console solution and tell you of what success (or lack of success) that I have.

[AmberJain]

Thank you for your untiring help. I hadn't looked at this site for about a week and am pleased to find that you have been able to offer yet another solution to my problem.
Yes, I run Windows XP Home edition (SP2).
I will try the Security Console solution and tell you of what success (or lack of success) that I have.

HELLO AGAIN (after a quite long time from my side this time),
Let me tell you that solution related to Security Console will not solve your problem as there's no option related to your problem in it.

************************************************** *****************************************
NOTE : REMEMBER although Security Console will not solve your problem this time, but it is a good utility to troubleshoot many problems. It is ONLY (most probably) utility available which does almost all jobs that can be done with GROUP POLICY EDITOR (not available on windows XP home versions).
************************************************** *****************************************

~~~~Try what I mentioned in my REPLY #16 above. I expect it to solve your problem DEFINITELY. If you face any problem with VBscript file in that reply, do tell me. I will then giive you a step by step procedure to run .vbs file in REPLY #16.

__________________________________________________ _______________
hope REPLY #16 helps.............

[pacpalm]

HELLO AGAIN (after a quite long time from my side this time),
Let me tell you that solution related to Security Console will not solve your problem as there's no option related to your problem in it.

************************************************** *****************************************
NOTE : REMEMBER although Security Console will not solve your problem this time, but it is a good utility to troubleshoot many problems. It is ONLY (most probably) utility available which does almost all jobs that can be done with GROUP POLICY EDITOR (not available on windows XP home versions).
************************************************** *****************************************

~~~~Try what I mentioned in my REPLY #16 above. I expect it to solve your problem DEFINITELY. If you face any problem with VBscript file in that reply, do tell me. I will then giive you a step by step procedure to run .vbs file in REPLY #16.

__________________________________________________ _______________
hope REPLY #16 helps.............

Yes, I, too, discovered that Security Console could not help me. It doesn't contain the option that refers to "seach icon".

As for your suggested #16 solution, I have not yet tried it. I am unfamiliar with computer code. I'm not sure what part of the message you sent I am supposed to paste into a Notebook file....is it the part between the two lines??

And I am not well-versed in backing up system files. I suppose that I could create a restore point before implementing your suggestion above.

I'll get back to you on this. Thanks always for your assistance.

[AmberJain]

Yes, I, too, discovered that Security Console could not help me. It doesn't contain the option that refers to "seach icon".

As for your suggested #16 solution, I have not yet tried it. I am unfamiliar with computer code. I'm not sure what part of the message you sent I am supposed to paste into a Notebook file....is it the part between the two lines??

And I am not well-versed in backing up system files. I suppose that I could create a restore point before implementing your suggestion above.

I'll get back to you on this. Thanks always for your assistance.

Well, this time I'm doing what might seem to be best on my part to troubleshoot your problem.

Simply click on the link below and you will be taken to RAPIDSHARE website where I have uploaded a file called FILE.vbs with size only 1.36KB (it's the one I told about in my REPLY #16 above). I have coded it completely and made it's executable copy and uploaded it on RAPIDSHARE. Download the file [FILE.vbs] from the link below (Click on free button on the webpage of rapidshare that opens) ---->

LINK

Download the file and simply double click the downloaded file. A dialog box with title title 'confirmation' comes up. Simply click OK in the box and then reboot your PC.

__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS....................

[pacpalm]

Well, this time I'm doing what might seem to be best on my part to troubleshoot your problem.

Simply click on the link below and you will be taken to RAPIDSHARE website where I have uploaded a file called FILE.vbs with size only 1.36KB (it's the one I told about in my REPLY #16 above). I have coded it completely and made it's executable copy and uploaded it on RAPIDSHARE. Download the file [FILE.vbs] from the link below (Click on free button on the webpage of rapidshare that opens) ---->

LINK

Download the file and simply double click the downloaded file. A dialog box with title title 'confirmation' comes up. Simply click OK in the box and then reboot your PC.

__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS....................

Hello Ambrnewlearner.

It has been a week or two since I looked at this column. It slipped my mind.
I have just downloaded FILE.vbs and executed it.

I am sorry to say that my computer is still without a "search" icon.
After double clicking the file, I received a message "The start menu Find and Windows F-keys are now Disabled." I then clicked OK and rebooted. But there is still no icon for "search" in my start menu. Nothing has changed.

Thank you for your continued help.

What does it mean that the start menu "find" and the F-keys are disabled?? That doesn't sound right.

Have a good week.

[AmberJain]

Hello Ambrnewlearner.

It has been a week or two since I looked at this column. It slipped my mind.
I have just downloaded FILE.vbs and executed it.

I am sorry to say that my computer is still without a "search" icon.
After double clicking the file, I received a message "The start menu Find and Windows F-keys are now Disabled." I then clicked OK and rebooted. But there is still no icon for "search" in my start menu. Nothing has changed.

Thank you for your continued help.

What does it mean that the start menu "find" and the F-keys are disabled?? That doesn't sound right.

Have a good week.

SORRY FOR A LATE REPLY...............
Well, simply execute that [file.vbs] once again and you will get a message like-"The start menu Find and Windows F-keys are now enabled." Then restart your PC.

Actually, the file alternatively enables and disables SEARCH option. So at first it disabled your option and now when you will execute it your problem will get solved.

HOPE THIS HELPS...................

[pacpalm]

Dear ambrnerlearner,

I have done what you suggested, executing the VBS file. It gave me the message that it was enabling the find option. However, when I looked for the search icon on my start menu, I could not find it. Your solution did not work.
I still do not have the icon back.

You have been kindly helping me now for two months. Nothing has worked. Perhaps the search icon is gone from my system rather than hiding in it. Perhaps the only solution would be to reinstall XP (which I'm not prepared to do now).

Unless you think that you have another solution, why don't we put this bear to rest and give up. I can get along without the search icon.

Many thanks for all your concern and effort.

SORRY FOR A LATE REPLY...............
Well, simply execute that [file.vbs] once again and you will get a message like-"The start menu Find and Windows F-keys are now enabled." Then restart your PC.

Actually, the file alternatively enables and disables SEARCH option. So at first it disabled your option and now when you will execute it your problem will get solved.

HOPE THIS HELPS...................

[AmberJain]

Don't lose hope..............................

Well, I have another way to bring back search icon in start menu.

This is a perfect way to solve your problem (I think so). If you have not reinstalled XP then try this!

Download "Tweak now Winsecret" from link below--------->
LINK

Install it and then start the main program.

Click on [Start menu] option when program starts and under [General] tab, select search option (i.e. put a check mark next to it.

IMPORTANT NOTE--Then make sure to click on [Save] option on left top corner of same window and then close the window and then close the program. It will then prompt you to restart and after a system restart your problem will be solved.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++
Now if problem remains unsolved, instead of reinstalling XP you may also Repair your XP installation (Repair option is available on XP CD). That would do your job.

__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS.................

[pacpalm]

SUCCESS!!!!
I used Tweak Now Winsecret and was able to recover my search icon. It now appears on the right side of the start menu where it originally was. Apparently, it was hidden and just needed to be uncovered.

I owe you a lot of thanks for sticking with me for the past several months, offering many possible solutions. I am very grateful.

Don't lose hope..............................

Well, I have another way to bring back search icon in start menu.

This is a perfect way to solve your problem (I think so). If you have not reinstalled XP then try this!

Download "Tweak now Winsecret" from link below--------->
LINK

Install it and then start the main program.

Click on [Start menu] option when program starts and under [General] tab, select search option (i.e. put a check mark next to it.

IMPORTANT NOTE--Then make sure to click on [Save] option on left top corner of same window and then close the window and then close the program. It will then prompt you to restart and after a system restart your problem will be solved.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++
Now if problem remains unsolved, instead of reinstalling XP you may also Repair your XP installation (Repair option is available on XP CD). That would do your job.

__________________________________________________ _______________
HOPE THIS HELPS.................

[AmberJain]

SUCCESS!!!!
I used Tweak Now Winsecret and was able to recover my search icon. It now appears on the right side of the start menu where it originally was. Apparently, it was hidden and just needed to be uncovered.

I owe you a lot of thanks for sticking with me for the past several months, offering many possible solutions. I am very grateful.

I'm glad that it helped..................
__________________________________________________ _______________
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>Joshua J. Marine
__________________________________________________ _______________
AmbrNewlearner