Windows search service won't start after fall creators update

You have multiple threads and you are stating that you are an Insider. Does not surprise anyone that a Alpha release that is for testing purposes is having issues. Windows 10 is a ongoing Beta OS that is constantly getting updates after each major release.

After major update, the Windows Search database might be corrupted. Open "Folder Options" and check mark on "Show hidden files..." and uncheck "Hide protected operating ..." then look under: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Search\Data\Applications\Windows. The windows search database file is Windows.edb, delete this file, re-boot and check if Windows Search is enabled.
Note: Windows will rebuild the database from scratch, will take a while but will run smoother.

bobsagetfullhou said:

I'm on the stable build of 16299.19 which went out to the general public today. I'm no longer on the insider ring. I even did an upgrade (repair) install of this stable build and problem still persists.

Regardless, you are still going to be dealing with issues when every new release is pushed out right away. You are dealing with a Beta OS that Microsoft is constantly patching after they send out a new Service Pack. It has been expected with Windows 10, that it will never get through the problems as Microsoft continues to treat it as some Beta OS. It would be wise to wait at least 30 days after a new push is done, so that patches are issued if you are using Windows 10 as your regular OS. Especially with the new Man in the Middle attack for WPA2 that Microsoft is always slow to get those fixes out.

I was able to delete the one file, and as soon as I delete it the file is recreated right away, as I can tell by the date created being that second. I then went to try and turn back on the windows search service but I get the same error.

If Windows search service is running, you won't be able to delete Windows.edb. Try to disable the service first then delete Windows.edb, reboot then enable it again.

bobsagetfullhou said:

Windows search service is not running. That's what I'm trying to fix so that it starts running. :)
I was just saying that I was able to delete the file, but it immediately recreated itself after I did, even with the windows search service disabled.

I would suggest rolling it back and waiting thirty days. If you do not have a backup, you are going to have to deal with the issue until Microsoft pushes it out with their repairs by next Tuesday, which is how these things go.

Always wait thirty days and do not push these updates, especially huge changes like this.

bobsagetfullhou said:

Windows search service is not running. That's what I'm trying to fix so that it starts running. :)

I was just saying that I was able to delete the file, but it immediately recreated itself after I did, even with the windows search service disabled.

I am confused. Windows Search Service is the one that creates Windows.edb, if disabled, there's no way to create this file.

Try this link to see if it helps:
How to Fix Microsoft Windows Search Indexer Stopped Working and Was Closed