Article ID: 968513 - Last Review: May 3, 2012 - Revision: 21.0

Fix download prompt for Windows Search when you type in Address bar of Internet Explorer 8

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SYMPTOMS

When you type an address inside the Address bar in Windows Internet Explorer 8, a window may open and display the following message:
Download Windows Search to improve history and favorites results
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Diagnose and fix the problem automatically



Note If you would rather fix this problem yourself, go to the "Let me fix it myself" section.
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CAUSE

This behavior occurs if either of the following conditions is true:
  • Windows Search is not installed on the computer.
  • Windows Search is not turned on.
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Let me fix it myself

To stop receiving this message, you can use the following methods. Select the method that is appropriate for your situation.
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Method 1: Download Windows Search

If you use Windows XP, Windows Vista, or a version of Windows Server that is earlier than Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2), download and install the latest version of Windows Search.

To do this, click the Download Windows Search to improve history and favorites results link in the message window in Internet Explorer.

For more information about Windows Search, visit the following Microsoft websites:

Windows Search 4.0 for Windows XP (KB940157) (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=23)

Windows Search 4.0 for Windows Vista x64 Edition (KB940157) (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=2276)

Windows Search 4.0 for Windows Vista SP1 (KB940157) (http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=14850)

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Method 2: Enable Windows Search

If you use Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2), or Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Search is already installed on your computer. However, you may have to turn on this feature. To do this, follow the steps for your operating system.

Windows 7

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  1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Click Programs.
  3. Click Turn Windows features on or off.
  4. Scroll down, click to select the Windows Search check box, and then click OK.

Windows Server 2008 SP2 or Windows Server 2008 R2

Open Server Manager, and then expand Roles.

If the File Services role is not listed in the Roles Summary section, follow these steps:
  1. Click Add Roles.
  2. Select File Services, and then click Next.
  3. Click Next as many times as required to reach the Select Server Roles screen.
  4. In the list of available Role Services, select Windows Search Service.
  5. Click Install.
If the File Services role is already listed in the Roles Summary section, follow these steps:
  1. Under File Services, expand Role Services.
  2. Click Add Role Services.
  3. On the Select Role Services screen, select Windows Search Service, and then click Next.
  4. If you want to index drives, select the drives that you want to index, and then click Next.
  5. Click Install.
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MORE INFORMATION

To get help to fix additional Windows Search problems, visit the following Microsoft website to run the automated Windows Search troubleshooter:
Fix Windows Search when it crashes or is not showing results (http://support.microsoft.com/gp/windows_search)
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APPLIES TO
  • Windows Internet Explorer 8, when used with:
    • Windows Vista Business
    • Windows Vista Starter
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86)
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition (32-bit x86)
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
    • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition (32-bit x86)
    • Windows Vista Ultimate
    • Windows Vista Home Premium
    • Windows Vista Home Basic
    • Windows Vista Enterprise
    • Windows Server 2008 Standard
    • Windows Web Server 2008
    • Windows Web Server 2008 R2
    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter
    • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
    • Windows Server 2008 Datacenter
    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard
    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise
    • Windows 7 Enterprise
    • Windows 7 Enterprise N
    • Windows 7 Home Basic
    • Windows 7 Home Premium
    • Windows 7 Home Premium N
    • Windows 7 Professional
    • Windows 7 Professional N
    • Windows 7 Starter
    • Windows 7 Starter N
    • Windows 7 Ultimate
    • Windows 7 Ultimate N
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Keywords: 
kbfixme kbmatsfixme kbdownload atdownload kbhowto kbtshoot kbexpertisebeginner kbsurveynew kbprb kbvideocontent kbsmbportal kbsurveytest KB968513
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