Apply SP1 to Windows Vista and lose search

docs-4Ever since there has been a Microsoft Windows there has been some sort of easily accessible search feature. All the way through the ever troublesome Microsoft Windows Vista. However, after applying service pack 1 to Microsoft Vista, the search is removed from all the context menus. According to one source, the removal of the contextual search is as a result of threatened lawsuits by the EU and other search companies. This is also detailed in the list of Windows Vista desktop search Changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 .

Although there are a few possible methods to revisit the search, I have found this one to be the easiest to apply. Open regedit to remove the line for “LegacyDisable”.

This approach is also applicable to Windows 7 and Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Tested and verified 2/4/2012. 

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find]
"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080
"LegacyDisable"=""
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The image on the left is Windows Vista with SP1 and the image on the right is Windows Vista with SP1 without “LegacyDisable”.

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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\find]
"SuppressionPolicy"=dword:00000080
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