How can I disable the Windows Explorer search assistant in Windows XP?

John Savill

May 16, 2002

1 Min Read
ITPro Today logo in a gray background | ITPro Today

A. Windows Explorer contains a new search assistant that Microsoft designed to provide a friendlier, easier search experience. The new search tool lets you search for specific file types (e.g., multimedia files, document files), computers, and more. If you prefer the old search tool, perform the following steps:

  1. Start a registry editor (e.g., regedit.exe).

  2. Navigate to the HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerCabinetState subkey.

  3. From the Edit menu, select New, String Value.

  4. Enter a name of Use Search Asst.

  5. Double-click the new value, type

    no

    in the "Value data" field to use the old search tool, and click OK.

  6. Close the registry editor.

Old Style Search

New Style Search

About the Author

John Savill

John Savill

https://savilltech.net

See more from John Savill
Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.
Newsletter Sign-Up

You May Also Like

Editor's Choice

a stressed employee at their laptop and collaboration icons gone amok
Unified Communications
Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?
byBrien Posey
Sep 12, 2024
4 Min Read
person placing a block between two columns of blocks
IT Management
Data Skills Gap Is Hampering Productivity; Is Upskilling the Answer?Data Skills Gap Is Hampering Productivity; Is Upskilling the Answer?
byNathan Eddy
Sep 7, 2024
7 Min Read
data privacy quiz sample question above a desk
Data Privacy
Data Privacy Quiz: 20 Questions To Test Your KnowledgeData Privacy Quiz: 20 Questions To Test Your Knowledge
byIan Horowitz
Aug 30, 2024
1 Min Read
Exclusive ITPro Resources
See all ITPro Resources

Featured How Tos

tablet with "cloud computing" on the screen on top of financial documents and calculator
Cloud Computing
Guide to Cloud Computing ETFsGuide to Cloud Computing ETFs
A cartoon of a person sitting at a computer, with speech bubbles—one from the person saying Hello and one from the computer responding with Hello
PowerShell
PowerShell Speech Recognition: How To Set up Voice Commands and ResponsesPowerShell Speech Recognition: Set up Voice Commands and Responses
Migrating From VMware Guide cover
VMWare
Migrating From VMware: Guide to a Successful TransitionMigrating From VMware: Guide to a Successful Transition
Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.
Newsletter Sign-Up
Trending

Recent What Is

list of domains within the umbrella category of IT security
IT Security
What Is IT Security? Essentials of IT Security ExplainedWhat Is IT Security? Essentials of IT Security Explained
ITPro Today's tech careers quick reference guide cover
Career Management
Tech Careers: Quick Reference Guide to IT Job TitlesTech Careers: Quick Reference Guide to IT Job Titles