› 
In Windows Vista Service Pack 1, the Search option on the right side of the Start menu and the Search context menu are removed. Although there are other ways to launch Search, many users are accustomed to the Search link in the Start menu.
You can restore the Search option back, but only at the expense of an existing link in the Start menu. For example, by altering certain registry values, you can replace the Help and Support link in the Start menu with Search.
Option 1: Replace Help and Support with Search
Download smsearch_vista_sp1.zip and save the file to your Desktop. Unzip the file and extract the .REG file to your Desktop. Right-click on the .REG file and choose Merge. Click Yes when asked for confirmation. Logoff and login back so that the Start menu is updated. The Search link should be visible in the Start menu, which when clicked, should launch the default search application configured in your system.
You can still launch the Help and Support by clicking Start, All Programs, Maintenance, Help and Support. Or click on an empty area on the Desktop and press the F1 key to launch Help.
Undo information: To undo the above tweak, download smhelp_vista_sp1.zip, unzip the file and run the .REG file enclosed. Logoff and login back. Help and Support link in the Start menu should be available.
Option 2: Replace the Run command with Search
Download smsearch2_vista_sp1.zip and save the file to your Desktop. Unzip the file and extract the .REG file to your Desktop. Right-click on the .REG file and choose Merge. Click Yes when asked for confirmation. Logoff and login back so that the Start menu is updated. The Search link should be visible in the Start menu, which when clicked, should launch the default search application configured in your system.
You can still launch the Run command using the WinKey + R keystroke.
Undo information: To undo the above tweak, download smrun_vista_sp1.zip, unzip the file and run the .REG file enclosed. Logoff and login back. Help and Support link in the Start menu should be available.
Option 3: Replace Games with Search
Download smsearch3_vista_sp1.zip and save to Desktop. Unzip the archive and run the file search_sm.reg. To undo the changes, run the file undo.reg.
Bookmark this Page!
BlinkList | del.icio.us | Digg it | Furl | reddit | Spurl | StumbleUpon |
Related Posts
- Add Favorite Links Folder to the Vista Start Menu
- Add Videos Folder to the Windows Vista Start Menu
- Search… Context Menu Option Removed in Windows 7 and Vista Service Pack 1
- Fix for Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1 Install Problems With Norton Product Installed
- Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Available for Public Download
- Fix Search Association Settings in Vista
- You Can Defrag Individual Drives in Vista SP1
- How to Create a BartPE Bootable CD Using PE Builder
- Restore the Address Toolbar (Deskband) After Installing Windows XP SP3
- Fix: Change Analysis Diagnostic Does Not Install in Windows XP SP3
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed! We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems!
Prefer an E-mail subscription?
P.S. The Fix worked, but when I put my cursor over the new search icon it still reads ‘Play and manage games on your computer’. Yuck.
Also might mention I’ve been working on this computer for a year with Vista so I didn’t do anything on my own to make Search disappear.
Thanks!
V
thanx a lot
I, also do not want to replace the Help & Support or Run commands in the start menu. I would be interested in, for example, replacing “Pictures” with the Command Prompt; “Music” with the registry editor; “Games”, “Network”, and/or “Connect To” with Services.msc or MSConfig.
These would be of much, much more use to me on the Start Menu than the ones being replaced. The others are available elsewhere if needed.
Can this be done?
Thanx,
Randy
Hi!
This is EXACTLY what I needed … ALMOST!
Since this is most likely going to be used by Techie types, removing the RUN command is not a real option, and if I use it on a Client’s machine I sure can’t remove the HELP option! Stuck between a rock & a hard place.
Is it possible to put it in place of GAMES as the one for replacing GAMES with VIDEO works, or is there a technical reason …?
Many thanks!