Does anyone know what the file is that launches the XP search companion when you click on it in the start menu? Is it built into the shell or can it be launched on it's own? I want to TIE it to a hotkey on my keyboard, but I can't seem to find what launches it. I've searching on Google, but all I can find is "click start and select search". My hotkey requires I tell it where the file is to launch.Is this any help?Not really. I just want the search window to open when I press a key. That explains how to make it open with a specific "Look in" location. I wouldn't EVEN know where to start ALTERING that to make it work like I want it to.The search companion seems to be built into "explorer.exe". You could have your hotkey program launch a different file which launches the search companion.

The zip file I attached to this post contains an AutoHotKey SCRIPT which will launch the search companion. If you do not have AutoHotKey, you can use the compiled version that is in the zip file.

[recovering disk space -- attachment deleted by admin]Windows key + F opens search window in Vista, and XP.Search Companion is that AWFUL stupid dog thing, isn't it? (As distinct from the plain Windows Search?)


I've never used it in my life....It is one of the first things I disable after a new install.