All of a sudden i can't use the search function in win10 file manager, i can't get my cursor to go in, it almost looks like it is greyed out.
I have google and none of the suggestion work.
win 10 ver. 21H1 (OS Build 19043.1889)
When i boot up in safe mode i can search in the file manager.
Any suggestions ?
Thank you
Hi, good that you checked in Safe Mode.
Have you installed or changed anything or updated any programs?
Do you have a recent System Restore point you can use?All of a sudden
I haven't installed anything and unfortunately i have no restore point
That's very unfortunate, as it now requires time, patience and a degree of luck. Many years ago I decided it was necessary to be prepared for when things go wrong, so I could recover quickly and independently.
The routine and regular use of disk imaging (endlessly recommended here) and system restore points (I have one created on schedule daily- Tutorial available) are two basic ways.
Question is - what changed? And since when? When was the last time you saw search working?
Now. since it works in Safe Mode, it's probably specific to your account configuration. It may or may not be fixable.
Assuming your disk and file system are ok: create a new user for test purposes.
Log in as that user.
Can you use file explorer search?
If you can, return to the original account and perform a clean boot.
Any change to file explorer search?
Try methods 1,2:
FIX: Cannot type in Windows 10 Search bar. (Solved) - wintips.org - Windows Tips & How-tos
Test with another local account. Here's a tutorial if you need help creating one: Add Local Account or Microsoft Account in Windows 10
If search works with the other account, then you might want try the "profile fixer" tool mentioned here:
Opening folders opens "This PC" directory
@Windsurfer
Just a note on the suggested Account Profile Fixer utility.
Can't type appname after winkey or search window.
Don't use it without a system image backup. Just in case, and disable any security software before running it.
Read the entire discussion here:
Introducing Account Profile Fixer - UVK forums
I've used it several times without issues except needing to restore some appdata folders from backup.
The only thing that worked for me was to do a repair upgrade from the link Dalchina put in the reply
Thank you.
Glad that fixed it for you.. always makes me wonder how these things occur ...
Hope you'll take the hint to start using disk imaging routinely and use the tutorial to have a System Restore point created on schedule.
So now that i have the search problem fixed, after reinstalling windows of course i lost all my chrome desktop shortcuts, al the shortcuts i had that were made with Microsoft edge are there but none of the Chrome shortcuts are there.
Any suggestions ?
Restore them from your most recent backup. You do have a backup....don't you?
The routine use of 3rd party disk imaging is endlessly recommended here...
There are much better ways of managing such things than having them scattered across your desktop.
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