Why is QuickBooks Search Not Working and How to Fix It?

The search feature of any application helps to find any paycheck, transactions, and reports in a quick and less complex way. But sometimes, you may encounter the issue where your QuickBooks search is not working, which makes it difficult to find any transaction/report. This issue occurs with or without an error message on your screen.  

If you are also experiencing the same issue and wondering why this happened and what the suitable fixes could be. You don’t need to worry; we’re here to help you. Below is a list of possible causes and the solutions you should follow to fix the ‘search is not working’ issue.

If you are not a techy person and looking for some quick help, dial +18557380359 to get in touch with QB experts and consult the issues you are experiencing 

What Causes Search Not Working Error in QB?

Here’s a list of some possible reasons why the QuickBooks search is not working. 

• The Windows firewall settings might be incorrect. 
• QuickBooks’ search index file is damaged, which causes issues when using the QB search feature. 
• The Windows registry of the operating system might get damaged. 

Do This When Search is Not Working QuickBooks Desktop

Let’s explore the best solutions you should follow to fix the QuickBooks search not working issue; make sure to follow each solution with extreme care. 

Solution 1: Rename the QuickBooks Search Index File 

When you use the search preferences, QuickBooks uses the search index file to index your search. So, issues with this file will automatically prevent you from using the search feature; here’s how to fix it. 

• Open ‘File Explorer’ and go to the folder where your QuickBooks company file is saved. 
• Now, for the *.searchindex file, right-click this file. 
• Select the ‘Rename’ option and add.OLD at the end of this file is named qbw.SearchInder.old. 
• When done, reopen your company file. 
• Go to the ‘Search/Magnified’ Glass tab from the top corner of this window. 
• Select the ‘Update Search Information’ option from the left pane of the screen. 
• Click ‘OK’ when you see the ‘update in progress, please wait’ notification. 
• Once the update is complete, try to use the search feature again. 

The following blogs can help you: Here’s A Complete Guide to Fixing QuickBooks Error Code 6176 

Solution 2: Turn Off the Windows Firewall Protection 

Turning off the Windows firewall protection will ensure the firewall settings don’t block QuickBooks files and don’t interrupt when using QuickBooks’s search feature. 

• Open the Windows Start menu and type ‘Control Panel’ in the search box. Then, press ‘Enter.’
• From the options displayed on your screen, select ‘System and Security’ and then select ‘Windows Defender Firewall.’
• Select ‘Turn Windows firewall ON or OFF’ from the left pane of your screen.
• To turn off the Windows firewall from the ‘Private Network settings,’ select ‘Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall.’ Moreover, choose ‘Turn Off the Windows Firewall’ from the ‘Public network settings’ to turn it off for the public network.

Solution 3: Repair the Windows Registry

Here’s how you can repair the damaged Windows registry of your computer. 

• Press the Windows + R keys to launch the ‘Run’ prompt. 
• In the text input box, type ‘cleanmgr’ and click ‘OK.’
• Move to the ‘Total amount of disk space you gain’ section and click ‘Clean up system files.’
• It will reopen the ‘Disk Cleanup tool’ and keep the drive selection as ‘OS(C:)’ then click ‘OK.’
• Wait until this tool scans your system, and then click ‘OK.’
• The disk cleanup will reconfirm your changes, and then click ‘Delete Files.

Read More: How To File QuickBooks Form 941 In Desktop: e-File and e-Pay?

After following this guide, you must be aware of what you should do when the ‘QuickBooks search not working.’ if you face any issues while following this guide or require some professional guidance, dial +18557380359 to connect with QB experts and consult the problems you are facing.