How's that for a descriptive title? I'm overloaded with indexed search tools1 – I use X1 for my email because it's the fastest and most flexible, and Google Desktop for files and as an alternative for email. Windows Desktop Search is installed too, but I only use it for OneNote and overall everything runs fairly well.
If I'm in a folder and I want to search for a file by name, it's pretty fast to hit CTRL+F and type the name or pattern. I use Classic Search and not the idiotic guided search with the spastic dog.
Unfortunately when I installed WDS it took over my regular Windows searches. To make matters worse, nothing is indexed, so all I end up with a useless screen that forces me to click once more to get to the default search.
I can still search using the WDS screen, but it returns nothing. Here's a thought – if it's not indexed and I insist on searching using the WDS pane, how about transparently passing the search through to the default search?
It's off-topic, but notice how the bottom scroll arrow is 3-4 pixels too low. I think the WDS search pane is actually an embedded IE control (hit CTRL+F when it's visible) which might have something to do with it.
Restore the Classic Search Pane
You'll need to make a few registry changes if you want WDS to stop flaunting its existence. The keys you need to change are below, or you can copy+paste the code snippet, or download a registry file (restore_full_windows_classic_search.reg).
Remove the WINKEY+F binding
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Desktop Search\DB
UseWinKey = DWORD:0
Don't the WDS Pane if you hit CTRL+F in an Explorer window
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Desktop Search\DS
ShowStartSearchBand = DWORD:0
Use the Classic Search pane, not the Search Assistant dog
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState
Use Search Asst = DWORD:0
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Desktop Search\DB] "UseWinKey"=dword:00000000 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Desktop Search\DS] "ShowStartSearchBand"=dword:00000000 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CabinetState] "Use Search Asst"="no"
- Yes I have a Mac, and yes I know about Spotlight [back]
September 11th, 2007 at 6:13 am
I'm in the same boat as you – this has saved me countless clicks. Thanks.
September 29th, 2007 at 12:50 am
Corey,
MERCI BEAUCOUP, I'm using search tools in exactly the same way you do. Your explanations are cristal clear, and they work
November 16th, 2007 at 4:11 am
For me, setting
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows Desktop Search\\DB\\UseWinKey = DWORD:0"
had the effect that when writing a message in Outlook, when I clicked shift-F, a desktop search window opened: not what I expected…
On the other hand,
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows Desktop Search\\DS\\ShowStartSearchBand = DWORD:0"
had the effect of cancelling the desktop search in the file manager (or whatever its called), which is the effect I was looking for.
January 10th, 2008 at 3:58 am
Huge thanks !
March 13th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Thanks. Copied text into .reg file, ran it, solved my problem. Kudos.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Excellent! Your method restored the very powerful and useful search capabilities in Windows Explorer. I recommend to all to disable the searching of .zip and .cab files by running regsvr32 /u zipfldr.dll and regsvr32 /u cabview.dll. Search then will work quickly and efficiently.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Thank you so much for that fix – huge, huge help. And thank you Microsoft for 'breaking' something that worked just fine.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Thank you for such a great post. Keep the updates coming please.
January 7th, 2010 at 6:18 am
Bravo
Long live and prosper
February 15th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Worked like a champ!!! This was driving me nuts! Thanks!
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
What a great tip – sure made my day.Thanks for a great post.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I have been using FileSearchEX (goff concepts) because it looks so much like XP classic search but runs really fast. All these new snazzy search indexing tools are'nt cutting it seems.
June 4th, 2010 at 11:26 am
I cannot extend enough gratitude to you for this. WDS raised my blood pressure more than the last copy of Hustler to cross my desk.
June 20th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Thanks.
Great tip.
I just use windows search for Outlook.
July 12th, 2010 at 4:34 am
UseWinKey 0
and
HotKey 746
prevents SHIFT+F from popping up, instead it uses SHIFT+CTRL+ALT+F to pop up Desktop search
other combinations here:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/windowsdesktopsearchhelp/thread/e85fd2e1-a095-414a-837e-afe7ac7f0a97
August 26th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Dude, you are my HERO!!!
Thanks a lot for helping me getting rid of that @!ยง$@%&* Desktop Search! ;-)
April 7th, 2011 at 2:15 am
Hi Corey.
Many thanks, this was really helpfull !!!