I'm running Windows XP Professional, and ever since the last service pack I've had a searching problem.

When I want to search a network drive, I get the following message:

This folder is not indexed. To search this directory plase use Search Companion or add this directory to your index via options.

Basically, I have two questions. Is there some way that I can use the indexed search where appropriate and then have it switch over to the Search Companion automatically?

Second, how does a programmer look at this code and think this is a good idea? I realize that this question is rhetorical. However, I must enter my search string into one search, receive the error, and then click "Search Companion" to bring up the new search window. This window doesn't even take the defaults from the previous one so I have to specify the search string and drive again.