How do I get my WinXP Search back?

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How do I get my WinXP Search back?

Vanillaman

6:06 pm on Nov 23, 2009 (gmt 0)

I hate this Windows Search 4 upgrade, and i have no idea which Windows update installed it onto my PC. I want my Windows XP Home edition Search Companion back. How do I restore it?

I've tried asking HP 37 times, but it is incredible how unbelievably stupid HP so-called Tech Support really are?

bill

2:51 am on Nov 24, 2009 (gmt 0)

Welcome to WebmasterWorld Vanillaman.

When this was first released in June 2008 [windowsteamblog.com] it was an "optional" update, which requires users of XP to select the update for installation. Is it possible that you selected this update at some point? Restoring to a point previous to this update would most likely solve the problem.

This KB article has some more information about what the package entails. I didn't see any specific information about reverting this package.

Description of Windows Search 4.0 [support.microsoft.com]

kaled

11:02 am on Nov 24, 2009 (gmt 0)

Although the option to uninstall may not be displayed, most updates beginning KB... do save uninstall instructions in the registry.

Provided you can identify the correct KB... value (looks like KB940157 to me) you should be able to uninstall it. If it is not available as an uninstall option, proceed as follows...

Open the following registry key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Locate the appropriate entry and copy the instruction in the UninstallString value.
Create a restore point.
Open the Windows Run dialog, paste in the command and cross your fingers.

I have never tried this myself so I can offer no assurances as to safety.

Kaled.