In Windows Vista Service Pack 1, the Search option has been removed from the right side of the Start menu. Although there are other ways to launch Search, many users are accustomed to the Search link in the Start menu.

If you want the Search option back in the start menu, this can be done but 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 the Search option.

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.

Note: 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: In case you want 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.

Note: You can still launch the Run command using the WinKey + R key sequence.

Undo information: In case you want 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.

SEE ALSO

Search… context menu option removed in Vista Service Pack 1

Overview of Windows Vista desktop search Changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1