You want to search your hard drive for a file or folder, but the search function has disappeared from the Start Menu? Or you click on Search, but you receive the following error message: “A file that is required to run search companion cannot be found. You may need to run setup”? This means that the Windows XP Search Companion is either missing or corrupt. You will need to repair the required files. There are a number of methods you can test.

One solution is to run the Windows File Checker utility. By executing the command sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Start, Run, type cmd and click OK) the operating system can scan your PC and replace any missing or corrupt files to original Microsoft specifications. You will probably need the Windows XP installation CD for this operation because the files that need to be copied are on the CD. If you don’t have the CD, you may have the option to look for the i386 directory on the hard drive, which contains copies of all system files as backup (usually located in C:/i386). When I tested the command on my PC, it wouldn’t continue without the CD.

Another way of solving this problem is by installing Windows XP Service Pack 1, if you haven’t done so already. Simply go to Windows Update (Start, All Programs, Windows Update) and select all critical updates.

A third method involves reinstalling the files necessary to run the Search Companion. Go to the C:/Windows/inf directory and locate the file srchasst.inf. Right click on the file and choose install from the new menu. This will reinstall the necessary files. Restart the system and the Search Companion should be back.

If you’d like to try another method, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article - Q319949.

Note: If you cannot find any of the files discussed here, make sure that all hidden files on your PC are made visible. To do this, open Windows Explorer, or any directory on the hard drive. Then open Tools, Folder Options, View and under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders.