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Windows 10 search service will not start (the system cannot find the file specified)

Question

Saturday, January 23, 2016 5:08 AM

At some point which I didn't notice, my windows 10 servcie broke. On starting the service, i get the message "The system cannot find the file specified). Been working on this for a while and this is what I have done

1) The search service executable and data directories pointed to in the registry all exist

2) Scanning the system for corrupt files found nothing (sfc /scannow) found nothing

3) Reinstalling windows apps didnt help (Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"})

4) Running  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth didn't help

Does anyone have any suggestions to fix this (pref without a refresh)?

All replies (4)

Saturday, January 23, 2016 5:57 AM ✅Answered

What happens if you create a new user account?

You may go for a repair install.

Here is the link to create Windows 10 ISO:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Use installation or recovery media to get to startup settings:

1. Insert the USB drive or DVD and restart your PC. If you’re using recovery media, skip the next step

2. On the Install Windows page, select Repair your computer.

S.Sengupta, Windows Experience MVP


Saturday, January 23, 2016 7:41 AM ✅Answered

Check out http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/windows-search-error-2-windows-8-1/

Written for Windows 8, but might apply to W10 also.

Ramesh Srinivasan


Saturday, January 23, 2016 9:15 AM ✅Answered

Hello,

Also suggest you to run Search and Indexing troubleshooter from Control Panel.

Regards.

Windows Troubleshooting & How to guides - http://www.kapilarya.com


Monday, January 25, 2016 7:29 AM ✅Answered

Hi,

Firstly, please open the Services console:

1. Right click the WIN+R, type services.msc.

2. Locate to Windows Search service as below, double click to check its Service name(WSearch).

3. Launch the Registry Editor, locate to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Wsearch as below.

4. Make sure its service name, display name, description and Image path(path to executable) are correct.

And then run this commands to repair the missing or corrupted system file:

SFC /Scannow

https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/kb/929833

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