With the advent of Windows 7, Microsoft built on the evolution of the platform’s search capabilities introduced in Windows Vista. Just like its predecessor, Windows 7 allows users to perform fast and seamless searches throughout the operating system, in Windows Explorer, as well as via the search box under the Start menu. Furthermore, locations such as Control Panel limit results returned to queries to topics specific of the computer’s settings. However, Microsoft notes that in some scenarios, Windows 7 search can deliver inaccurate results.

“On a computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, you try to search for an item on the computer by using the Search programs and files box. However, the search results are not displayed correctly. Only the category headings of the categorized search results are displayed, such as Programs, Control Panel, and Documents. Additionally, if you click the displayed category headings, nothing happens,” the company noted.

Searching the computer via the Search programs and files box means essentially entering queries in the box under the Start menu. Restarting the computer does nothing to resolve the incorrect results returned by Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. An update is not yet available from the Redmond company; however, a fix can be implemented in order to resolve this specific issue for affected customers. Microsoft is offering a hotfix for download, but has also documented a manual workaround.

“Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard. In the Run box, type regedit and then press ENTER. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. Locate the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{ef87b4cb-f2ce-4785-8658-4ca6c63e38c6}. Right-click this subkey, and then select Delete. Restart the computer,” the company stated.