WindowsSearch.e fails

[Guest]

When I close XP WindowSearch.e is reported as not responding. Side effects
seem to be: Outlook (2007) won't start and have to run in Safe mode, File
search in Windows Explorer hangs Explorer, New applications won't load,
System Restore fails. I've had the occasional hang of dsrt.exe on system
close as well. Error log reports for every failed action:

Windows Search Service: The gatherer files from the previous checkpoint
cannot be restored, and this action cannot be completed. The gatherer will
attempt to restore the files again. If the problem persists, restart the
service, free system resources or verify that your hardware is working
properly. Context: Windows Application, SystemIndex Catalog Details: The
content index server cannot update or access information because of a
database error. Stop and restart the search service. If the problem persists,
reset and recrawl the content index. In some cases it may be necessary to
delete and recreate the content index. (0x8004117f)

I've no idea how to do this, or even if it's a good idea

 

[Elmo]

When I close XP WindowSearch.e is reported as not responding. Side effects
seem to be: Outlook (2007) won't start and have to run in Safe mode, File
search in Windows Explorer hangs Explorer, New applications won't load,
System Restore fails. I've had the occasional hang of dsrt.exe on system
close as well. Error log reports for every failed action:

Windows Search Service: The gatherer files from the previous checkpoint
cannot be restored, and this action cannot be completed. The gatherer will
attempt to restore the files again. If the problem persists, restart the
service, free system resources or verify that your hardware is working
properly. Context: Windows Application, SystemIndex Catalog Details: The
content index server cannot update or access information because of a
database error. Stop and restart the search service. If the problem persists,
reset and recrawl the content index. In some cases it may be necessary to
delete and recreate the content index. (0x8004117f)

I've no idea how to do this, or even if it's a good idea

There should be no WindowSearch.e, WindowSearch.exe nor dsrt.exe on your
system. I suggest you check for malware.

 

[Guest]

Previous searches on the net suggest that windowssearch.exe and
windowssearch.e are used by msn toolbar and might be OK if they're genuine. I
suspect you're right about dsrt.exe - searches nearly all seem to bring up
Russian "what is dsrt?" queries. Sorry to sound thick, but I've not had
malware problems before. Suggestions to fixing would be welcome. MacAffee
Internet Security has been present at all times on my computer. Scans suggest
no problems.

 

[Guest]

drst.exe (might havemisspelled this first time, haven't had this particular
crash recently) is listed in startup as part of Dr. Speedtouch for my
Speedtouch 330 modem, so parhaps this is genuine as well.

 

[Elmo]

drst.exe (might have misspelled this first time, haven't had this particular
crash recently) is listed in startup as part of Dr. Speedtouch for my
Speedtouch 330 modem, so perhaps this is genuine as well.

Previous searches on the net suggest that windowssearch.exe and
windowssearch.e are used by msn toolbar and might be OK if they're
genuine. I suspect you're right about dsrt.exe - searches nearly all
seem to bring up Russian "what is dsrt?" queries. Sorry to sound thick,
but I've not had malware problems before. Suggestions to fixing would be
welcome. MacAffee Internet Security has been present at all times on my
computer. Scans suggest no problems.

Disable Windowssearch and see if that allows IE to shut down correctly.
Look in Add-ons and ActiveX components; they're in Internet Options,
Settings button, View Objects button, or just look in the Downloaded
Programs Files folder.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I am having the windowssearch.e error as well. It will not allow
Office 2007 to load unless in Safe Mode. I have run the McAfee
Stinger and other virus removal tools without any luck. Does
anyone have any suggestions?

You haven't really given enough background information, AFAICT.

Direct questions:
- Windows XP is assumed - but what flavor and version?
- When was the last time everything was working?
- What changed between when it was working and when it was not working?
- Did you immediately try a system restore?
- Have you tried running the diagnostics in Office 2007?
- Have you Uninstalled "Windows Search" (I find it to be less useful and
more resource hungry than desired.)

Other questions (with hints on what to do embedded.)
- What AntiVirus application do you run "actively"?
- Have you ran MalwareBytes and SuperAntiSpyware yet? (You should.)
- When was the last time you did a Disk Cleanup? (Don't do it if you plan on
using a System Restore point first.)
- When was the last time you did a full CHKDSK on your system drive?
- When was the last time you defragmented the hard drive(s)?