XP Task Bar Search error – parameter incorrect

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When I enter a word into the Task bar Search box and press the Enter button, an error box reading “The parameter is incorrect” comes up no matter what word I enter.

This Search Desktop function was working the last time I tried it quite some time ago.

Running XP Pro SP3

Example:
: 46610-XP-Task-Bar-Search-box-error

In addition, When I click Start > Search the window that appears is mostly blank thus no place to enter search selection.
This Search function was working the last time I tried it quite some time ago.

Example:
46611-XP-Search-Window

I suspect these two issues are related.

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There are some Run cmds in this article which may help – https://lookeen.com/blog/how-to-fix-windows-xp-search-problems

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Thanks for your reply!
I tried each one… each came up successful but the problems continue.

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Sorry they didn’t work.

XP is before my time so I’m reliant on Google for XP solutions.

I used to have an URL link for XP problems – will have to see if I can find it and if it still works to see if it covers your problem.

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Sorry they didn’t work.

XP is before my time so I’m reliant on Google for XP solutions.

.

Youngster !

:cheers:

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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Youngster !

:cheers:

Only in my experience of Windows – I’ve just turned 69 :lol

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Only in my experience of Windows – I’ve just turned 69 :lol

Happy Bday ! a bit belated. What was your previous computer ? Atari? Commodore 64?
Apple II (oh the pain) Osborne ? :rolleyes: :flee:

:cheers:

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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Happy Bday ! a bit belated. What was your previous computer ? Atari? Commodore 64?
Apple II (oh the pain) Osborne ? :rolleyes: :flee:

:cheers:

I think it was an Atari 520STFM upgraded from the default ½MB to 4MB RAM which meant I could format a floppy in one go

And thanks for the belated birthday wishes

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Sorry they didn’t work.

Tried the following:
– sfc /scannow from the command prompt.
– boot into Safe Mode – issue not present but do not know what caused it.
– run MBAM – found no malware or viruses
– did repair install of Windows XP

The sfc command run successfully but problem still exists.
Backed up my files to another hard drive and did a clean install of XP Pro…
PROBLEM RESOLVED BY CLEAN INSTALL OF XP – Search now works again.

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A couple of URLs I had for XP no longer exist, but if you have a XP CD then you could do a repair install.

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_repair_my_windows_xp_in.htm

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As re-registering the 3 main ‘Search’ components didn’t fix the problem (post #3), I think the next question is… do you have the Search Assistant (the dog) turned on or off?

1. If the Search Assistant is enabled then you can try to re-install its components in case one or more of the files is corrupted. It’s slightly involved yet fairly simple… but you will almost definitely need your original XP installation disk so the files can be replaced. Do you have it?

2. If the Search Assistant is not enabled then I suggest you use Start > Run or a CMD prompt and enter sfc /scannow to check the integrity of system files.

Hope this helps…

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As re-registering the 3 main ‘Search’ components didn’t fix the problem (post #3), I think the next question is… do you have the Search Assistant (the dog) turned on or off?

1. If the Search Assistant is enabled then you can try to re-install its components in case one or more of the files is corrupted. It’s slightly involved yet fairly simple… but you will almost definitely need your original XP installation disk so the files can be replaced. Do you have it?

2. If the Search Assistant is not enabled then I suggest you use Start > Run or a CMD prompt and enter sfc /scannow to check the integrity of system files.

Hope this helps…

Tried the following:
– sfc /scannow from the command prompt.
– boot into Safe Mode – issue not present but do not know what caused it.
– run MBAM – found no malware or viruses
– did repair install of Windows XP

The sfc command run successfully but problem still exists.
Backed up my files to another hard drive and did a clean install of XP Pro…
PROBLEM RESOLVED – Search now works again.

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It’s a puzzler as to why it was okay in Safe Mode, but glad you got it sorted.

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