Fix ‘Search Box In Start Menu Not Displaying Results Correctly’ Problem In Windows 7

Sometimes when you are search for an item in the ‘Search programs and files’ search box of Start Menu in Windows 7, it only returns the category headings, and not the actual item. You will only see the headings such as ‘Programs’, ‘Control Panel’, ‘Documents’ etc and when you click on them nothing happens.

Microsoft has released a Hot fix for this problem, which also occurs in Windows Server 2008 R2.  You can either download and install the Hotfix or fix the problem yourself with the help of a workaround.

KB 977380

Filename – Fix296173

Download Hotfix For Start Menu Search Box

Workaround – Deleting the registry sub key:

Note: Take a backup of your registry before editing it. This method suggested only for advanced users.

1. Logged in as an administrator, go to the Run Command in Start Menu. (shortcut key: Win key+ R (or) Add Run Command to Windows 7 Start Menu, which by default is not available in Windows 7).

2. Type ‘regedit’ in the box and hit Enter.

3. In the registry editor, navigate to the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}

4. Right click on this key and select ‘Delete’.

5. Restart your PC for changes to take effect.