"Search Results" column order won't stick.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Henry Horrocks - 108943
  • Start date Start date
H

Henry Horrocks - 108943

When I do a search for files, the column order is not as I would like. The
column "relevance" is displayed, and the column "date modified" is not
displayed.

I KNOW how I'm _supposed_ to control this feature - right clicking on the
column headers brings up a dialog box allowing me to set which columns are
displayed, the width and the order. Like I say, that much works OK. Ans
when I change the order it works UNTIL I DO A NEW SEARCH AND THEN IT REVERTS
BACK TO THE UNWANTED ORDER.

Problem is, the column order won't stick (or keep it's settings) the next
time I do a search, the incorrect colums appear. It's as though the
settings are not retained between searches.

This behavior is not present on my laptop, and I believe it's a problem with
a file on my desktop. Does anyone know where XP might store these "search
results" column settings from session to session?

Is it a registry entry? .INI file?

Anyone know how to make these column settings stick?

Thanks

Henry

Windows XP Sp2. Rather normal system, no weird Anti-virus or unknown TSR's,
plenty of memory. I check to make sure no illegal processes are running.
 
You have the choice for up to about 40 columns. How many do have checked?
Clicking the "relevance" will diminish your settings due to screen
resolution/pixels.
In other words, you're trying to put 10 pounds of sh.. in a 5 pound box.
Or change your DPI in Display settings from 96DPI to about 60 (very unwise).
Otherwise, on your next search it will revert to default. Maybe a larger
monitor?
 
Thanks for the reply. Possibly I was unclear.

The problem is: after I get the columns set up the way I want them,
(filename, size, type, folder, and date modified) the next time a search is
made, the Relevance column returns and is stuck in the middle, and the date
modified column is not there. It's as though the search program - whatever
it is actually called, is not writing back the changes, and the old layout
including the unwanted column returns.

Its's kind of like if the read-only bit were set on the (whatever) file, and
it won't save the column changes.

On my laptop, the behavior is correct. If I change the columns, it
remembers the order and width and column headers, so the next time I do a
search it's the way I want it. The desktop machine, however, won't remember
the settings.

Is there a .ini file associated with searching? Is it a registry key that
determines which columns will display?

Any ideas?

Henry
 
It is possible that your Search companion is corrupt for it not saving
the changes in your settings. But, take a look at the below info, it
may be of some help, for you've got me stumped from this location.
How To Configure the Search Companion in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307980
 
Thanks,

I'm totally stumped too. The kb article tells how to set such things as if
you want an animated character etc.

It doesn't address my problem though.

If I know which files to replace, I'd copy new ones over top. I _think_ the
search is a function of Explorer.exe, woulod you know anything about what
files actually are the executable for the search function?

Regards,

Henry
 
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