A file that is required to run search companion cannot be found.

This article applies to Windows XP.

Problem

When trying to perform a search, you get the following error:
“A file that is required to run search companion cannot be found. You may need to run setup.”

Solution
To resolve this issue, you need to reinstall the Search Companion files:

1. Log on to the computer as an administrator account.
2. Click Start, then click Run.
3. Type “%systemroot%\inf” without quotes and press Enter.
4. Locate the Srchasst.inf file.
5. Right click the file and click Install.