Windows Search does not return files or folders that are under DFS-linked folders on a Windows Vista SP2 or on a Windows Server 2008 SP2-based computer

Consider the following scenario:

• On a computer that is running Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2), you open a network folder in Windows Explorer.
• The network folder contains folders that are linked to the Distributed File System (DFS).
• You perform a search in the network folder in Windows Explorer.

In this scenario, the search does not return results for files or for folders that are under the DFS-linked network shares.

This problem occurs because of an error in the Shell32.dll file in Windows Vista SP2 and in Windows Server 2008 SP2. This error causes the system not to treat the DFS-linked network shares as ordinary folders. Instead, the system treats the DFS-linked files like shortcuts. Therefore, they are not indexed or searched.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix on a computer that is running Windows Vista, you must have Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Vista SP2 installed. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

No prerequisites are required for computers that are running Windows Server 2008.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 file information notes

The MANIFEST files (.manifest) and MUM files (.mum) installed for each environment are listed separately . MUM and MANIFEST files, and the associated security catalog (.cat) files, are important to maintaining the state of the updated component. The security catalog files (attributes not listed) are signed with a Microsoft digital signature.

For all supported x86-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

For all supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

For all supported IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For help with Windows Search problems in Windows Vista, visit the following Microsoft web page: For more information about DFS and DFS Management, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:

Additional file information for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

Additional files for all supported x86-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

Additional files for all supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

Additional files for all supported IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008