>>> Short version:
My Windows search configuration is invalid. I would like to set it up cleanly as if I were doing a fresh Vista install. But I do not want to change any other aspect of my current installation. How can I do that
Vista Ultimate RTM
Indexing Options dialog buttons are disabled
>>> Long Version:
1. From a working installation of Windows Vista, I moved the location of the index files from the default to e:\index.
2. Then the E: drive failed.
3. I replaced the E: drive
After that, Windows Search no longer worked. The Indexing Options dialog said the indexing service was not running.
- I have tried starting the service. At frist, it would not start saying it could not find a particular path.
- I tried recreating as much of the index path as I could. Still same problem.
- I changed the values for these registry entries:
HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows Search/SetupCompletedSuccessfully
HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows Search/MustRecover
The results vary depending on which ones are true and which are false. I get one of two states:
-- Service won't start as mentioned above
-- "Waiting to receive indexing status" in the Indexing Options Dialog + "The Windows Search Service has failed to remove the old catalog." in the event log.
- I have tried manipulating the registry entires that specify the indexing directory. But many have permissions that prevent me from doing anything -- even as admin.
- I overrode the permissions to change the index locations. Result: I managed to change all but the values under "Gathering Manager" --
* The Indexing Options dialog has all buttons disabled except "close." So I cannot use the "Advanced" button.
Vista: Moved index location, drive died, now not indexing
Rraj
I followed the steps given to the letter, but indexing was still not working. I was getting the same error as before.
The "upgrade" option was visible by disabled. It said, Upgrade unavailable. After a weekof this, I gave up. I reformatted and reinstalled Vista.
charles C
I would prefer to fix the issue rather than re-install Vista. I have no restore point or backup prior to the onset of the problem.
- I changed all registry entries for the index to the default location (by taking ownership as you suggested).
- I made sure SetupCompletedSuccessfully was zero
- I am getting this error in the event log (twice at startup and every two minutes after that):
The Windows Search Service has failed to remove the old catalog. Internal error <0,0x80070003>.
1. What can I do next
2. This must be rebuildable. Somewhere there must be a document about the architecture of this service. Where can I get that kind of information
Eric van Feggelen
You lost some important files when that drive went down: msscolmn.txt/gathrprm.txt/schema.txt. If you do a vista repair, you should get these back.
Some of these reg keys are system protected and are even read only for admins. Only trusted installers can modify these key.
To change them, in the regedit security dialog, you need to take ownership of the key, and then give admins read/write privileges on them. SetupCompletedSuccessfully=0 is the magic key to reset the whole indexer.
TBrij
Which repair operatin are you suggesting If I understand you correctly, you are referring to the repair menu. Is that right
I find these five options on the repair menu:
- I have done a "Sytem restore," but the oldest image available on the menu had the problem I am trying to fix.
- I have no backup for a "Windows Complete PC Restore."
- That leaves "Startup repair." But the name suggests that will not address my problem.
Fiddel
By the way, during reinstalling Vista in upgrade, I got infinite reboot problem which was caused by Daemon-tools (more accurately, sptd.sys). I could boot up successfully in debugging kernel mode. Then, removed the sptd.sys and it boots up fine but not possible to install Daemon-tools.
Eventually, I found a new-beta version of sptd (currently 1.42). I was able to install Daemon-tools after installing the 1.41 Sptd.
This was my recovery journey. Now, everything looks fine.
Thank you all for helping me out.
Ruprect8696
Analyst Chad
yjm
Even though I couldn't try your instructions yet, it looks good.
Anyway, I have one more question.
In my case, I made a new directory called "Search". (it was a stupid idea, don't do this.) So, eventually, indexing service is located in "D:\Search\Search\Data....". I think my indexing service has a problem because of the ambiguous name of two "Search" directories.
My question is, isn't there a way to change the directory path without using "indexing options" because I cannot use "indexing options". (All buttons are disabled to click.)
I will appreciate to any helps and I will post what I get after following your suggestion. Thanks!
ExchangeMaster
The steps work fine for me.
I did have a couple issues afterwards.
The available index locations did not show Outlook or OneNote. I was able to disable and re-enable the search from Outlook for my mailbox and it added Outlook back to the index locations but I cannot get OneNote to show up as an option. I tried repairing OneNote but it did not work. Is it possible to add the OneNote schemas manually somewhere
alpefusk
Where is the *repair vista* exactly I don't have a restore point so that I cannot use the "System Restore" function. Thanks for any helps.
pblecha
OK, here are the steps:
Let's say that I moved the index directory to my D: drive under index.
FYI: I know install has different meanings, sorry for the confusion, to do the "repair" that I wanted, start windows Vista setup normally. When you get to the page that asks "Which type of installation do you want ", select "Upgrade - "Keep your files, settings, and programs and upgrade Windows." This will reinstall (repair) windows and still leave all your current user configurations intact.