Problem with Search function

[Guest]

I often use the Search function to find files on my PC, going through the
Start button and clicking on "Search". Usually, this works fine, but I have
encountered a problem which started last week.

Now when I click on Search, the Start drop down menus disappear as though
the Search panel is going to open as normal, but then nothing happens, just
leaving me with my desktop screen. The bar at the bottom of the screen in
which the Start button is located also freezes. So for example, I can't use
the start button again nor click on any of the icons in the tray next to the
clock.

When I use Ctrl Alt Delete to go to my Task List, there isn't an application
listed showing that the Search function is opening but "Not Responding", it
is just blank. Also, the CPU Usage is at 100%.

I don't get the problem with anything else in the Start menu. And, even
though the bar is frozen after I've clicked Search, the desktop and icons on
it are still OK to use.

Can any one help?

Thanks

 

[Mark L. Ferguson]

Show the hidden files and folders Rightclick C:\Windows\Inf\srchasst.inf
Click install. The required file is in ../I386 folder on the XP CD