Vista Indexer
My Vista indexer service has gone wonky. The database somehow got corrupted, and the service won't start. Without the service running, the Modify & Advanced buttons shown on Control Panel's Indexing Options are both grayed out.
How can I manually reset the database to get the indexer service running again? I've tried everything I can think of.
Answers
- Can you check under %systemdrive%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config and see if gathrprm.txt and schema.txt exists? Did you move your default index location? If you don't see these two files, grab them from another vista machine or send me an email for the files.
- In this directory "%systemdrive%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config", you need two files "gathrprm.txt" and "schema.txt"
- Copy the "gathrprm.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\gathrprm.txt"
- Copy the "schema.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\schema.txt"
- Reboot
All Replies
- Set the registry value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search\SetupCompletedSuccessfully to 0 and try restarting the Windows Search service.
I saw that solution in another thread. When I went into the registry, that particular key was already set to 0.
Any other ideas of things to try?
2:09 pm EDIT: As a side note, I launched the services application. The "Windows Search" option shows startup as automatic, but it's not running. I clicked on the "Start this service" and this message popped up:
"Windows could not start the Windows Search on Local Computer. For more information, review the System Event Log. If this is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to service-specific error code -2147218141."This also raises another question. In the services list, what is the difference between "Indexing Service" and "Windows Search"? They look to be pretty much the same thing.
- Indexing Service is the legacy content indexer that has been superseded by Windows Search, which is what is integrated in Vista. Indexing Service should NOT be running. Check your event log (Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> View Event Log) under Windows Logs -> Application for events with "Search" as a source. If you find any recent error events for search, please copy/paste the full details for those events into this thread. You can do this by right-clicking on an event and select Copy->Copy details as text from the context menu.
I have a similar Q&A thread going on another website, and this same question was asked. Here's my response:
In the "last hour" column:
21 errors
14 warnings
44 information
By the time you get over to the "totals" column:
978 errors
1,007 warnings
7,698 information
Here is a more detailed breakdown after expanding some of the categories:
ERROR CATEGORY
Event ID 1006 - Search - 7 in last hour
Event ID 7024 - Service Control Manager Eventlog Provider - 7 in last hour
Event ID 7034 - Service Control Manager Eventlog Provider - 7 in last hour
WARNING CATEGORY
Event ID 1008 - Search - 14 in last hour
INFORMATION CATEGORY
Event ID 1010 - Search - 14 in last hour
Event ID 1013 - Search - 7 in last hour
Event ID 7036 - Service Control Manager Eventlog Provider - 15 in last hourIs that enough info to work from, or do I need to post even more detail on one of the events. If more detail is needed, do you see one in particular that may help you troubleshoot?
- P.S. "Indexing Service" was set to manual. I went ahead & changed it to disabled, just in case.
Instead of looking at the summary view of the event log, make sure the console tree view is enabled (there's a button on the toolbar "Show/Hide Console Tree") and navigate to Windows Logs ->Application. In that view you can click on the column headers to easily sort by any field and find events quickly. Can you do that and copy/paste the details (as I described before) for the 3 error events and the warning event from search? You only need to do this for a single instance of each unique event.
Here's a sample of each:
Error 1006
Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Search
Date: 3/14/2007 11:17:32 AM
Event ID: 1006
Task Category: Search service
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: Russ-PC
Description:
The Windows Search Service has failed to created the new system catalog. Internal error <1,0x80070003>.Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Search" Guid="{CA4E628D-8567-4896-AB6B-835B221F373F}" EventSourceName="Windows Search Service" />
<EventID Qualifiers="49152">1006</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>1</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2007-03-14T16:17:32.000Z" />
<EventRecordID>4650</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" />
<Channel>Application</Channel>
<Computer>Russ-PC</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="ExtraInfo">
</Data>
<Data Name="Phase">1</Data>
<Data Name="HR">0x80070003</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>Error 7024
Log Name: System
Source: Service Control Manager
Date: 3/14/2007 3:45:36 PM
Event ID: 7024
Task Category: None
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: Russ-PC
Description:
The Windows Search service terminated with service-specific error 2147749155 (0x80040D23).
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Service Control Manager" Guid="{555908D1-A6D7-4695-8E1E-26931D2012F4}" EventSourceName="Service Control Manager" />
<EventID Qualifiers="49152">7024</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>0</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2007-03-14T20:45:36.000Z" />
<EventRecordID>5296</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" />
<Channel>System</Channel>
<Computer>Russ-PC</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="param1">Windows Search</Data>
<Data Name="param2">2147749155 (0x80040D23)</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>Error 7034
Log Name: System
Source: Service Control Manager
Date: 3/14/2007 3:45:36 PM
Event ID: 7034
Task Category: None
Level: Error
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: Russ-PC
Description:
The Windows Search service terminated unexpectedly. It has done this 8 time(s).
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Service Control Manager" Guid="{555908D1-A6D7-4695-8E1E-26931D2012F4}" EventSourceName="Service Control Manager" />
<EventID Qualifiers="49152">7034</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>2</Level>
<Task>0</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2007-03-14T20:45:36.000Z" />
<EventRecordID>5297</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" />
<Channel>System</Channel>
<Computer>Russ-PC</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="param1">Windows Search</Data>
<Data Name="param2">8</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>Warning 1008
Log Name: Application
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Search
Date: 3/14/2007 11:00:34 AM
Event ID: 1008
Task Category: Search service
Level: Warning
Keywords: Classic
User: N/A
Computer: Russ-PC
Description:
The Windows Search Service is attempting to remove the old catalog.Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Search" Guid="{CA4E628D-8567-4896-AB6B-835B221F373F}" EventSourceName="Windows Search Service" />
<EventID Qualifiers="32768">1008</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>3</Level>
<Task>1</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2007-03-14T16:00:34.000Z" />
<EventRecordID>4590</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" />
<Channel>Application</Channel>
<Computer>Russ-PC</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="ExtraInfo">
</Data>
</EventData>
</Event>- Can you check under %systemdrive%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config and see if gathrprm.txt and schema.txt exists? Did you move your default index location? If you don't see these two files, grab them from another vista machine or send me an email for the files.
You may have stumbled on something here. Not only are those files not present, that particular directory doesn't even exist. Inside the (...)\Search\Data folder, there are only 2 subfolders: Applications and Temp. Both of these are empty. Config subfolder is not there. I set the view to show hidden files & show operating system files just in case. Directory & files still not there.
To my knowledge, I have not touched the search feature. Everything should be in its default location. Light at the end of the tunnel?
UPDATE: I think that fixed it!!!!! I manually added a Config subfolder and then manually added "0 byte" text files with the names you mentioned (schema.txt & gathrprm.txt). Now all the directories are filling with files and the buttons are no longer grayed out on the Indexing Options. Everything seems to be rebuilding itself.
You ARE the man. Thanks!
Well, the search is "mostly" working now, but there are still a few little kinks. Sometimes when doing a quick search, it appears to start pulling up items. However, the line items are completely blank. For example, I clicked on the Windows logo and put "Defender" in the start search box. It now shows a list of 6 start menu items, but they are blank. In other words, there is a list with the little paper icons, but there is no text in the list. When I click on any of the line items, nothing happens.
Any idea what could be causing the strange behavior? Does it have anything to do with the fact that I used "dummy" 0-byte text files to create those we've been discussing above?
- Yes, that is the problem. If you can't get ahold of the files from another Vista machine I can send them to you if you post your email address.
Text files sent. Original post with his email address has been removed.
Got e-mails from both of you. I'll add the 2 files to the config directory when I get to work tomorrow. The search function inside Outlook 2007 has been acting strange also. Is it somehow tied to these same 2 files? I'm hoping so as the problem was basically the same. List of found items would pop up, but the individual line items were blanks.
Thanks to both!!
~Vol
- In this directory "%systemdrive%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config", you need two files "gathrprm.txt" and "schema.txt"
- Copy the "gathrprm.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\gathrprm.txt"
- Copy the "schema.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\schema.txt"
- Reboot
Replacing those two files seems to have done the trick. I noticed they also appeared in the (...)/Search/Data/Applications/Windows/Config directory as well as the (...)/Search/Data/Config directory. I replaced both sets of files to be safe.
Outlook search is also working again (whew!), but there is one thing I need to clarify. In the Tools / Instant Search / Search Options menu inside Outlook 2007, there is a place to check if I want my data folders indexed. If I put a check in these boxes, any time I try to do a search, the following error comes up:
"The messaging interface has returned an unknown error. If the problem persists, please restart Microsoft Outlook."
If I DON'T check the data files to be indexed, the search routine seems to work fine. I'll leave them unchecked for now. I was just curious if the global Windows Search and the internal Outlook Instant Search were somehow tied together?
Thanks again for all the help.
- Hello,I ran into this problem myself - thanks so much for your hints.&nbsp; I created this problem by encrypting the C:\ProgramData\ directory: the magic .txt files were there, but I guess because they were encrypted, the search indexer was broken.There really isn't much point in encrypting my "Documents" directory if the search indexer is going to index this data in unencrypted files.&nbsp; Has anybody had any luck encrypting the search indexer's data?&nbsp; I would try changing the index location to an encrypted directory, instead of encrypting ProgramData; however, it would be nice to know if somebody has tried this. (I know bitlocker - but i don't want to reinstall...)TIA, - vijay
- You can encrypt the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search directory, but if you do it from the UI, you are going to encrypt it under your user account. This will cause the indexer not to have access to these files any longer, because the SYSTEM account does not have access to your credentials for unencrypting these files. By creating a new encrypted directory and using the control panel to move the index, the search service will move the index to the new location. During the move, the files are encrypted under the SYSTEM account, because the files in the new location is created by the indexing service.
Glad to hear the thread helped someone else. I never did get a response on my Outlook question though. In the Outlook options, I have to leave the check boxes BLANK for the index files option. If I check that I do want my .pst data files to be indexed, the search routine goes all wonky again.
~Vol
- That fact that you unchecked the checkbox forces outlook to manually (grep) your mail store and not use the WDS index to search for email contents.
- Got it. Does the internal Outlook search engine typically work better than the WDS? Even though there is a workaround, I'm still somewhat of a purist. It just bugs me (pun intended) when there is an issue I can't get resolved. Any idea why putting a check in the check boxes causes everything to start giving errors?
- Outlook uses WDS for fast searches over large number of emails (100's of thousands). The internal Outlook search would be a lot slower to find email. Can you state your repro steps on what cause this error? I will forward this thread to the Outlook Team.
I have 2 data files on my PC, outlook.pst (approx 150 MB) and archive.pst (approx 1.1 GB). Emails aren't in the 100's of thousands, but it's easily several thousand work e-mails built up over the last 4 years. I listed the detailed problem in a message above, but I'll repost here:
In the Tools / Instant Search / Search Options menu inside Outlook 2007, there is a place to check if I want my data folders indexed. If I put a check in these boxes, any time I try to do a search, the following error comes up:
"The messaging interface has returned an unknown error. If the problem persists, please restart Microsoft Outlook."
If I DON'T check the data files to be indexed, the search routine seems to work fine.
Thanks!
~Vol
Could you please enable Outlook logging, (Outlook->Tools->Options->Other->Advance Options->Enable Logging), restart Outlook and perform a search that fails. Then look at %temp%\Outlook Logging and look at the most recent log files created that have a filename with *qp*, and tell me what error codes do you see. You can paste some of the error messages here if you want.
Thanks,
-- Carlos
- I am Running vista ultimate.
These files NOW exist in "%systemdrive%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config".
After a reboot the Indexer is still not starting.
I am getting 2 errors in the application log
First error :
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Search" Guid="{CA4E628D-8567-4896-AB6B-835B221F373F}" EventSourceName="Windows Search Service" /><EventID Qualifiers="49152">1011</EventID><Version>0</Version><Level>2</Level><Task>1</Task><Opcode>0</Opcode><Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords><TimeCreated SystemTime="2007-04-16T09:05:57.000Z" /><EventRecordID>13299</EventRecordID><Correlation /><Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" /><Channel>Application</Channel><Computer>WinMac</Computer><Security /></System><Data Name="ExtraInfo" /><Data Name="Phase">0</Data><Data Name="HR">0x80070003</Data></EventData></Event>
Second Error:
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Search" Guid="{CA4E628D-8567-4896-AB6B-835B221F373F}" EventSourceName="Windows Search Service" /><EventID Qualifiers="32768">1008</EventID><Version>0</Version><Level>3</Level><Task>1</Task><Opcode>0</Opcode><Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords><TimeCreated SystemTime="2007-04-16T09:05:57.000Z" /><EventRecordID>13298</EventRecordID><Correlation /><Execution ProcessID="0" ThreadID="0" /><Channel>Application</Channel><Computer>WinMac</Computer><Security /></System><Data Name="ExtraInfo" /></EventData></Event>
Also when I try and start the service manually it catches an error that states:
"ERROR 3: The System Cannot Find The Path Specified."
Any insight to this rather vexing issue would be much appreciated. look at the most recent log files created that have a filename with *qp*, and tell me what error codes do you see. You can paste some of the error messages here 2 files match that description.
archive.pst-qp-165470.log contents:
Store File Name: archive.pst
Date|Time|Action|Rows returned|NID|Advance/No Advance|HRESULT|Result Status
2007/04/16|09:43:05:616|Issue query to the FTE||||0x80040e55|FAIL
2007/04/16|09:43:05:616|Issue all full text queries||||0x80040e55|FAIL
2007/04/16|09:43:05:616|Table Restrict||||0x80040e55|FAILOutlook.pst-qp-165173.log contents:
Store File Name: Outlook.pst
Date|Time|Action|Rows returned|NID|Advance/No Advance|HRESULT|Result Status
2007/04/16|09:43:05:320|Issue query to the FTE||||0x80040e55|FAIL
2007/04/16|09:43:05:320|Issue all full text queries||||0x80040e55|FAIL
2007/04/16|09:43:05:320|Table Restrict||||0x80040e55|FAILOne followup question. Since I use 2 data files (outlook.pst and archive.pst), will both be searched with 1 query, or will I have to search individually? It would be *sweet* if the interface would automatically return results from both . . . .
- Any activity on any of these issues? It's now been several days with no additional responses.
Hi,
I have the same probleme than you.
Windows Search Indexer Service don't want to start.
I format my computeur and reinstall vista, and the probleme exist again.
I have the two files. But the service don't work ....
Please help
- Have you tried the previous solutions mentioned above?
STEP 1
In %allusersprofile%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Typically in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Check if gathrprm.txt and schema.txt exists
If the file path is not found, then create them.
STEP 2
Copy the "gathrprm.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\gathrprm.txt" to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Copy the "schema.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\schema.txt" to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
STEP 3
Start CMD as Administrator and run fixmapi
STEP 4
Reboot - Vol4Ever, I been having identical problems to you. Your questions and MSFT answers helped me start Windows Search which was not starting at all for last few days. Now I have the Outlook problem exactly like you have.
I am starting to believe this is also due to influence from Antivirus programs. I remember my Outlook search stopped working last time after I installed Symantec Antivirus Corporate edition. The fixmapi did the trick.
What you AV are you using? I use the free version of AVG. I tried the fixmapi idea & rebooted, but I still get the messaging interface error when trying to do a quick search. As before, if I uncheck the Personal Folders indexing in the search options screen, the search again works fine.
F_R_U_S_T_R_A_T_I_N_G!!
- I'm having the same issues you guys are, I went through everything, and even those two files DID exist. I don't use outlook, but its still annoying, especially when it constantly reminds me that its not working (I think I'll turn off the automatic start).
- I did a scanpst today to avail.
Why I asked about the AV was that, wondering if AV E-mail plugin interferes with Outlook and Windows Search indexer interaction.
I was also wondering if you have the Users folder in a different partition? I restored my Windows image recently and wasn't sure if this is after that happened.
I have C:\Windows and H:\Users, customized installed via Autounattend.xml so I have H:\ProgramData instead of C:\ProgramData. My C: drive is 50 GB partition without the Users folder so I can backup/restore Ghost images easily.
Running out of things to try, my last option is to reformat but it is pretty much like restoring an original Windows copy which I have already done with Ghost images. So something to do with the ProgramData. All my files are in their default locations on the C: drive. No additional partitions present. Only customized location is my pst file which I moved to an "e-mail" subdirectory under my main work directory. Did it that way to make it easier to remember where it was for backup purposes. Seems ilke Outlook wanted to bury it WAYYY deep somewhere. Surely the file location wouldn't matter, especially since it works properly with everything except the internal search.
And good point about the AVG. I'll have to disable the plugin temporarily & do some testing.
I wonder where all the Microsoft guys went? They seem to have given up & run for the hills.
Hello All,
I was having the very same problem with the searches within Outlook 2007. This is how I resolved, but first the background how I got to this problem:
1) I tried to move my index from default path c:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search to another driver (supposedly faster)
2) For some weird reason the index transfer failed and I inadvertedly deleted the c:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search thinking that the index was properly transferred to the second location.
3) Since everything was failing I tried the information on this forum:
STEP 1
In %allusersprofile%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Typically in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Check if gathrprm.txt and schema.txt exists
If the file path is not found, then create them.
STEP 2
Copy the "gathrprm.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\gathrprm.txt" to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Copy the "schema.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\schema.txt" to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
STEP 3
Start CMD as Administrator and run fixmapi
STEP 4
Reboot4) I've got my windows search working but my Outlook was failing to display the instant search. Giving me the following error: “Instant search encountered a problem, while trying to display the search results. Modifying your query may resolve this problem.”
5) Again a followed the instruction of this forum and enabled the login for the outlook getting the following messages in the *qp* files:
Store File Name: 2007.pst
Date|Time|Action|Rows returned|NID|Advance/No Advance|HRESULT|Result Status
2007/04/29|23:36:01:980|Issue query to the FTE||||0×80040e55|FAIL
2007/04/29|23:36:01:980|Issue all full text queries||||0×80040e55|FAIL
2007/04/29|23:36:01:981|Table Restrict||||0×80040e55|FAIL6) I looked in the internet and the error 0×80040e55 means something like "path not found". But I wondered what?
7) Getting desperate and almost reinstalling everything I tried to lookup in the windows register. It turned out that a file called "msscolmn.txt" was declared with the wrong path in my register for the windows search. This files apparently defines the columns of which Outlook and other programs that connect into the Windows Search uses to define its information. Once I changed the path of this in the register and restart the windows search service I've got my instant search working again.
So go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search
There's a DefaultColumnFile attibute, you should see something like %ProgramData%Microsoft\Search\Config\msscolmn.txt change it to the path this file is located and voila....
I just wanted to share my experience with you. Hope this helps.
best regards,
Marcus
I checked the registry key, and it indeed pointed to a non-existent directory. I corrected the registry error & copied the msscolmn.txt file into the proper location. That got rid of the original error, but it's still not working right. Regardless of what text I put in the quick search field, it displays no matches found. Even when I put a word right out of my Inbox, NOTHING. I checked the indexer status, and it says that all items have been properly indexed.
I think I'm giving up. I've wasted far too much time on this as it is. Thanks for the additional tip though!
- I have tired to locate the registry key but to no avail. Can anybody help be in locating the registry key?
Thanks to all of you for getting this question solved. It saved my day. I was able to copy the missing text files and restore my Search Service functionality.
I just have one thing to say to the Microsoft folks.
It seems like a very poor design for the search service to fail and become totally unrecoverable if the data files are corrupt, missing, or unaccessible for whatever reason. In my own case, I deleted them because the search data ended up in a folder I had created for testing some music and then I deleted the folder that I created. I have no idea how the search folder ended up being in F:\Music\Search. But what if I had not deleted the folder? What if I had removed the F drive since I also had C, D, E, G, and H. Or what if the F drive had failed. Now Vista search becomes totally unrecoverable? And not because of missing operating system or executable files but because of missing data files?
When the search service started initially, probably by me clicking to enable it in a Vista search window in Explorer because I certainly never opened the configuration control panel applet, it must have chosen that folder either at random or because maybe that folder was the initial target of my search. In any case, when it decided to store the search data files under F:\Music, it found those text files and put them in the Search\Data\Config folder. So, when they're missing, why could it not get them and put them there again? Or even have a restore default functionality on the control panel applet?
To have this functionality totally crash over a missing data file is about as sensible as Microsoft Word failing to open if the last Word document that I used had been deleted.
Please consider fixing this issue.
Regards,
Dale
- What about users who run on XP. I face exactly the same problem here after I did installed Office 2007
- These are important configuration files needed for successful operation of the indexer. These are not user generated file, but are critical system files, along with other dependent DLL's and components that are installed by Windows Search setup. We understand, from feedback, that these files are getting inavertantly moved/deleted by the end user and is causing a negative impact on the product functionality. We will be addressing this issue explicitly in the next release of Windows Search. Thanks.
Solved! Reproduced and fixed 3x. This problem manifested when I used the "Take ownership" tweak found on many Vista tweak sites.
Problem Description: Windows Search service will not run and/or the Indexing Options Buttons are Disabled
Cause: Windows Search / Indexing service does not have permission to read or write to the DB files and Directories. This produces various error messages and codes in the Event Viewer (Event ID's 3030, 1013, 1010, 1008, 1006, 1004)
Solution / Fix: Open windows Explorer and navigate to "C:\ProgramData\"
1. Right click on the Microsoft folder (Complete path is: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft) & select "Properties"
2. Go to the "Security Tab" and click the "Advanced" button.
3. Go to the "Owner" tab. Click the "Edit" button.
4. In the "Current Owner" text box type the following text in CAPS: SYSTEM
Note: If your unable to type "SYSTEM" as in step 4 then then perform the steps below, otherwise skip to 5:
4a. Click "Other users and groups"
4b. Click the "Advanced" button, then "Find now" in the new dialog box that opened.
4c. Scroll down and select SERVICE and click OK and Ok again. Now proceed to step 5.
5. Check mark the box at the bottom that says "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects".
6. Click "Apply" and you'll see a message prompt. Click "Ok".
7. Now simply keep clicking the "Ok" button until all the windows/dialogs are closed.
8. Make sure that the "Windows Search" service is set to automatic and reboot.
Varify the fix: Open Control Panel and open the "Indexing Options". All the buttons should be enabled, and you should be able to click Advanced and Modify. From here if you need to rebuild your index click the "Advanced" button then "Rebuild". Although I dont think this is required. This is only in the event that your index is corrupt or needs to be restored to its default settings.
* If this solves your problem please pass it along to other forums and blogs. Seems many people are running into this issue.
Regards - Marc Foumberg
- I had the same problem and came up with a simple way to get it back to normal.
I'd been playing around with the index location and stuff. But what I did was right click on the ProgramData>Microsoft>Search and chose Properties>Previous Versions. There I chose the one from yesterday and copied them back. And wolla! It works. Hurray!
And now I also know why I've some times have had the problem when deleting files and the "Calculating time left" thingy takes ages to disappear. I think it's because the Windows Search (wsearch/windos indexing whatever we call it) was disabled. Tried this and failed at the 1st hurdle - my VISTA Explorer could not find "C:\ProgramData". I am very new to VISTA, do not understand machine code and scared stiff of crashing my machine. Can anyone step in to stop me throwing my nice new Vaio out of the window and provide a step by step guide for the computer illiterate on how to solve this.
IE -
Step 1 - got to "My Computer"
Step 2 Click on etc etc
I agree with the latest posts - this is a pain and MS should fix it as soon as possible. Is there a date for VISTA SP1? Perhaps Uncle Bill could divert a few of his squillion dollars to solve the problem. As a thought - this occured only after I loaded Office 2007. Is there any chance that has something to do with it?
Re My last.
I have now tried everything listed above and the error message keeps on coming. Restored to a point prior to loading Office 2007 and it is still there but things are faster. Microsoft please help
- Right: sort of
- Right: sort of solved
- Right: sort of solved this
Sorry for the string of short replies - some sort of finger/network problem.
Right I seem to have this solved (I hope).
a. Restored to an earlier Vista load with Office 2003. Followed Ari Polsky's advice at the top of the thread and the Indexer seemed to work, ie the tabs etc under "Indexing Options" all worked.
b. Upgraded to Office 2007 -Enterprise - and " Indexing Options" said "Closed", Ari's tip did not work BUT searches seem fine and fast.
So my questions to MS are:
In the thread title MS state "Indexing Service is the legacy content indexer that has been superseded by Windows Search, which is what is integrated in Vista. Indexing Service should NOT be running." If that is the case why:
a. Does a "Indexing Options" icon appear in Control Panel when its only function appear to be to tell us that the Indexer is closed.
b. Have people, including spent valuable time trying to solve a problem on a function that cannot be used in VISTA and really should not be there? They must have had a reason.
Am I missing something? Atleast the pop-up has not appeared again (yet).
Indexing Service is indeed a legacy component that is not turned on by default. However, Indexing Options in Control Panel controls the options for Windows Search, not Indexing Service.QUOTE Eric Wolz MSFT - We understand, from feedback, that these files are getting inavertantly moved/deleted by the end user and is causing a negative impact on the product functionality. We will be addressing this issue explicitly in the next release of Windows Search.
Any progress on the new release? Will Windows Search automatically update with the background Windows Update process, or will it need to be done manually?
- Thank You Ari. Fine so the pop up has gone but Indexing Options stays "Closed". So clearly I am missing some amazing functionality. Still stuck for an answer to all this.
My Windows search indexer has also stopped working
I cannot locate the files in the directories stated.
Please email them to me and EXACTLY where I should put them to get my Windows Vista Premium that came with this NEW Acer machine working again. I even tried defraging the drive and chkdsk...neither helped the search problem though both DID work correctly I presume since I got no error msgs. Defrag took 5 hours...but did it.
Thankx in advance
Bob
My email is rafferty@gmail.com. I am having exactly the same problem. Can you send those files to me? Many thanks.
Hope moderator can remove this message.
- Markus,
Tried your fix. WORKS GREAT!
Fixed a 9 months old problem. Imaging the system now!!
STEP 1
In %allusersprofile%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Typically in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Check if gathrprm.txt and schema.txt exists
If the file path is not found, then create them.
STEP 2
Copy the "gathrprm.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\gathrprm.txt" to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
Copy the "schema.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\schema.txt" to C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config
I have also made these files with full paths, availble in
http://wmwiki.com/mcored/research/vista/indexer
STEP 3
Start CMD as Administrator and run fixmapi
STEP 4
go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Search
There's a DefaultColumnFile attibute, you should see something like %ProgramData%Microsoft\Search\Config\msscolmn.txt change it to the path this file is located and voila....
STEP 5
Reboot
Cheers,
McoreD - Before rebooting, I also did this because I was paranoid.
# Windows Search, Index Server and Site Server Search read this file when the following
# registry key points to it:
# #HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\ContentIndexCommon\DefaultColumnFile
# The value of this reg key is the full path to this file as a REG_SZ.
I manually created HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\ContentIndexCommon\DefaultColumnFile
and put the path to msscolmn.txt there. Hello,
I have also the same issue and I con'at find those 2 files. Can you send them to me also?
tks.
I,
I have the same issue, but in my case those files doesn't exist also in:
C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\
can you help?
If I ty to copy 0k files also to this lication the systenm don't allow-me.
tks
Ari Polsky - MSFT wrote: Indexing Service is the legacy content indexer that has been superseded by Windows Search, which is what is integrated in Vista. Indexing Service should NOT be running. Check your event log (Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> View Event Log) under Windows Logs -> Application for events with "Search" as a source. If you find any recent error events for search, please copy/paste the full details for those events into this thread. You can do this by right-clicking on an event and select Copy->Copy details as text from the context menu. Eric,
I too keep having same problem. I've copied the "gathrprm.txt" and "schema.txt" files as noted, I've done the CMD fixmapi as instructed, rebooted and still cannot get indexer to run. The event viewer log says
"The Windows Search Service has failed to created the new system catalog. Internal error <4,0x80070020>. "
On control panel_Indexing Options it says Indexing is not running and I cannot click on Modify or Advanced nor are there any Included Locations displayed.
Any suggestions?
Perhaps longer trerm MSFT can produce an autofix tool sort of like Symantec has to fix Norton issues automatically.
- Vista Home Premium
Correct, oh wise one!
This is under the "who wooda thunk it" category? There are K's of (local) log entries. Things were "pointing" to Outlook and SQL. Apparently they were/are "victims" and not "perps?"
Perhaps this issue should get bigger press? After shutting the "service" down... all's well.
- Eric, I'm using Vista Home Premium
Regards,
TRM7890
Still having intermittent problems with Windows Search (see error messages below).
IN THE INTERIM WHAT IS THE MANUAL FIX?
When will MSFT come out with an AutoFix tool to fix this repeated issue that keeps happening over and over and over and over again. Isn’t Vista support getting tired of it as well?
1. Error message when trying to restart Windows Search “Services”
Windows cannot start the Windows Search on Local Computer............specific error code -2147218141
2. Event Viewer Logs:
“ERROR” EVENT TYPE:
The Windows Search Service has failed to created the new system catalog. Internal error <4,0x80070020>.
Results for: Microsoft product: Windows Operating System; Version: 6.0.6000.16386; ID: 1006; Event Source: Microsoft-Windows-Search;
No results were found for your query. Please see Search Help for suggestions.
3. “WARNING” EVENT TYPE:
The Windows Search Service is attempting to remove the old catalog.
Results for: Microsoft product: Windows Operating System; Version: 6.0.6000.16386; ID: 1008; Event Source: Microsoft-Windows-Search;
No results were found for your query. Please see Search Help for suggestions.
Same problem. Under Control Panel, System and Maintenance, Indexing Option, all options are greyed out. Continual message "Microsoft Windows Search Indexer stopped working and was closed. A problem casued the application to stop working correctly. Windows will notify you if a solution is available" appears.
I've tried the solutions above. I already had the files gathrprm.txt and schema.txt. Tried the solution in #14. Tried the registry solutions.
I was searching for "search explorer" or "indexer" and nothing comes up. What can I search for to show me if I have the indexer on my hard drive? Is it possible to delete it without knowing?
In the interim, I can't perform any searches in Outlook 2007, and the searches on the computer are extremely slow.
- Sheesh, I've been debating whether to go to Vista for my next three computers or Mac. I've used PCs all my life and have a lot of reasons NOT to like Mac (mostly their closed business practices). However, after reading how Vista and MS can't even handle basic search engines, I'm really discouraged. Tried a friend's Vista computer search/indexer and it was buggy too. Sigh.
NOTE: I wish Microsoft would just buy some stable, top-of-the-line niche products like Copernic for a few bucks. A lot cheaper than throwing tens of billions at Yahoo! Yeah, I know antitrust. The government doesn't want there to be too many competitive services built-in to a PC. So instead the company puts *** on it. This is the way IBM died by antitrust. Hello -
I have been having the exact same problem, and the files are missing. Could you possibily send them to me also?
I did try and move the index to my RAID 5 drive, then in desparation I tried to move it back via the registry, but it would not let me make the changes! (Even though I have admin rights).
I'm hoping these files will fix the problem.
Why can't whomever, write programs that rebuild files that are needed?
Thanks!
Michael
OK, I have tried EVERYTHING in this forum to try and get the "Windows Search" service work, and nothing works.
Is there anyway to uninstall and reinstall?
Michael
- Hey Michael - we have released an upgrade to Vista Search - our version 4.0 - KB940157 - is there any chance you can take the upgrade and advise if you are still seeing this issue?
No aggression, For me it started out using the UI to more the index.
If anything is EXPECTED it should be making the deskop search software work, at least as the UI suggests it works.
Michael
Yes I will - right away, now in fact; be right back.
Michael
Yes - All seems to be working again. However, I will not know for sure until it reindex'es some of my 250,000+ files, but I will report in.
Question: Once you 'Pause' an index, it dims the button on the UI. Is there anyway to restart it again (Manual)?
Thanks so much...
Michael
Hello,
I have the same problem with Outlook and Search, but with XP. I cannot search my contacts or email. I tried to follow the steps you listed, but there is no "x86_windowssearchengine..." file or folder in the WinSxS folder. So I could not find a gathrprm.txt file or a schema.txt file in the Windows directory.
Any advice for how to fix this problem in XP would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!Brian
HI I am having the same problem. I do not have a ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config rather mine is ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\ and ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Config. So wher do I place these files. I did create a Config folder under Data and placed files in there but no succes, the Index Service will still not start?Well, I have Vista Ultimate, and the same story. Search/Indexer will not run. Tries to start but errors as previously described. Tried all listed fixes to no avail.
This thread is marked 'solved' but this is obviously a Vista error.
Have you seen the latest Mac-PC ad. You know the one where PC is counting out all the cash to advertising . . .
Hilarious. Or is it sad?
I have the same indexing problem on a HOME PREMIUM VISTA32 machine. I thought I look up these files and the two directories holding the above two files do not exist on my machine.
Can you advise me?
Thanks
- Proposed As Answer byBNSkin Thursday, July 09, 2009 1:57 AM
- I have had this problem for a while too and spend hours trying to fix it. I copied the files mentioned above; updated the registry. The answer for me was above in a throw-away line.My 'Indexing Service' was still running. I disabled it and all is working now; 'Windows Search' has replaced the former which should not be running as a service.I hope this helps others.
- he is talking about vista. I have the same problem but I do not have C:\programdata folder ? So I do not understand what you are suggesting.
- I have it set up to 0 as well. but not help
- I stopped the indexing service and then tried to start the windows search and I got the same error message again.
- David. Here is what I found out.... I have the folder all the way to \search\data but I do not have the Config folder. I have only Applications and Temp folder there? So my problem seems more severe?
I do beleive that he cause to all of this was Google Search bs which I do not know hot it got on to my computer. I uninstalled that. I suspect that they deleted items needed for windows search. Now I cant use anything. - hmm, this did not work for me somehow. I do not know what I did wrong.
- In this directory "%systemdrive%\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Config", you need two files "gathrprm.txt" and "schema.txt"
- Copy the "gathrprm.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\gathrprm.txt"
- Copy the "schema.txt" file from the windows directory, "C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_windowssearchengine_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_none_47e1b1bb326f0fb4\schema.txt"
- Reboot
Does this apply to Win 7? If so, can you send me the files? And how would I send you my email?
Thanks so much!!!
Sherrie B.
