The Search function is a default function, if you delete it or try to replace
it, you'll get an error and XP will replace it. You can disable it in the
Registry but that is not recommended. There are several 3rd party programs
that are as good as or better and if you like Agent Ransack, put an icon on
your desktop and use that in the future. Check the below for more
information:
Search Assistant - Disable
Automated Edit:
Disable Search Assistant (Line 15)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Manual Edit:
Start/Run/Regedit - Windows Explorer
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState.
In the right pane, look for or create a string value called: Use Search Asst
set the value to: no
Start/Run/Regedit - Internet Explorer
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main. Same value:
Use Search Asst and the same setting.
Restart Internet Explorer for the change to take effect.
Search Companion
All Errors, Issues and Fixes
Search - Change Defaults
Automated Edit:
Set All Search Items to Active (Line 148)
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
Manual Edit: To Change Default Search Options, go to Start/Run/Regedit and
navigate to this key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value Data: (0 = unselected, 1 = selected)
Modify the following values, setting them to "1" to select the parameter as
a default or "0" as unselected.
CaseSensitive
IncludeSubFolders
SearchHidden
SearchSlowFiles
SearchSystemDirs
Restart or logoff Windows for the change to take effect.