Search Companion Error When You Search for Files and Folders (816665)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you search for files and folders in Windows XP (click Start, and then click Search), you may receive a Search Companion pop-up window that displays an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if the registry key for the Search Results folder is missing from the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

RESOLUTION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk. To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
Locate and then click the following key in the registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key.
Type {e17d4fc0-5564-11d1-83f2-00a0c90dc849}, and then press ENTER.
Click the (Default) value in the right pane.
On the Edit menu, click Modify.
Type Search Results Folder, and then click OK.