lost search function

Hello,

I have lost the search functionality in Windows Vista. I have searched for answers on this problem for several hours now, to no avail. To be specific about the problem:

* The "start search" field exists in the startup menu, and I can enter terms in it. These appear in the space above, presumably based on indexing. But when I click on "search everywhere," nothing happens.

* Hitting "Win + F" fails to bring up the advanced search program, as do any of the other shortcuts people suggest.

* I set up a new user on my computer, and the search function IS present for that user -- just not for me. I know I could migrate my settings to a new user, but I'd rather avoid that if at all possible.

* I don't believe another program is interfering with the search functionality -- I disabled all non-Microsoft startup items and rebooted, and search still failed to work.

I'd appreciate any suggestions at all about dealing with this! The search program is obviously still available -- it's just that it's not being linked to the right places.

I'm running Windows Vista Home Premium, Service Pack 2 on an ASUS U80V laptop.

Thank you,
DRaines

Welcome to the forum.

The other search quick launch in Windows is press F3 thats been around since Windows has been going, that works on my Vista.