Windows Search service cripples Explorer.exe

Noc

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Messages
49
Recently, I began experiencing a severe problem where no File Explorer (explorer.exe) windows would load (i.e., they would appear empty and the loading bar would keep going forever) and most functions stopped working (e.g., the “Properties” dialogue box wouldn’t appear, most start-up programs failed to launch, etc.). This persisted despite repeated reboots, the installation of all available updates, and a System Restore operation.

Long story short, I eventually identified the culprit as the Windows Search service. Disabling it restores my computer to perfect working order. I’ve Googled a bit but didn’t find any mentions of this specific issue, much less how to fix it.

I often rely on Explorer’s built-in search feature, so having to disable it is fairly limiting. Does anyone know what to do to re-enable it without it crippling my Windows/File Explorer?

I’ll be checking for replies periodically, but I only have access to my computer about once a week to try out suggestions.

Thanks in advance.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro (x64)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus G750JZ-DB73
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-4700HQ @ 2.40 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUSTek Computer Inc. G750JZ (Intel/Haswell)
    Memory
    32 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4600 / NVIDIA GeForce GTX 880M
    Sound Card
    PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender + Spybot Search & Destroy
Windows Search is also the Indexing, correct? I've severely curtailed indexing by only allowing: txt, log, doc - to be indexed. I'm learning something from this thread :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro 64bit [MS blue-disk set]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Acers & 1 Antec[?]
    CPU
    i7 in 2 Acers, i5 in desktop
    Motherboard
    Desktop w/Gigabyte
    Memory
    Two w/16GB, 1 w/8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Laptops GameWorthy; Desktop maybe GameWorthy
    Monitor(s) Displays
    flatscreens; 2 are BluRay worthy
    Screen Resolution
    1368x768; 1600x900
    Hard Drives
    1TB internals; 2 ext usb WD 1TB HDs
    PSU
    what's PSU?
    Cooling
    Regular plus external fans
    Keyboard
    desktio w/PS2
    Mouse
    desktop w/PS2
    Internet Speed
    DSL middle level [160?]
    Browser
    from Netscape 0.9 to FF 36
    Antivirus
    well-balanced, well-configured mult-layered defense is best
    Other Info
    From MS-DOS 3.3, MS-DOS 6.22, from Windows 3.1 to WFW 3.11 to Windows 95-98SE, now to Windows 7 Pro.
    Security for now: Windows 7 Firewall, Emsisoft AM, MSE [scan-only], SpywareBlaster, Ruiware/BillP combine
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