Windows Search Options Are Blank?

Infopackets Reader Mary J. writes:

" The problem I'm having is with my Windows 2000 OS. For some reason, I lost the options in my search category (Start -> Search). Do you have any idea how I can get them back? I don't remember now what I had installed that caused this problem, but it also happened to me on a computer that was running Windows ME. "

My Response:

Unfortunately, I have never experienced this problem before -- so I can only guess on a solution.

I tried searching Google and Microsoft's Knowledge Base for an answer, but had a heck of a time trying to figure out what to type for a query.

http://www.google.com

http://support.microsoft.com

Needless to say, I wasn't able to find any documents on the web that pertain to Mary's problem.

This type of problem sounds like it might be related to a corrupt value in the Windows Registry -- and possibly even tied to Explorer. About the only thing I can suggest is to reset Internet Explorer (which is the same as Explorer); this may also reset the Search feature:

Repair Internet Explorer

Does any Infopackets Reader have a solution for Mary?

I am completely stumped. Email me your suggestions!

Update 2003/08/12: This article has been updated. Click here to read!