Windows could not start the Windows Search on Local Computer.  For more information, review the System Event Log.  If this is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to service-specific error code – 2147218141.

I went to event viewer, I saw some warnings as:

Event ID 1008: The Windows Search Service is attempting to remove the old catalog.

Event ID 1010: The Windows Search Service has successfully removed the old catalog.

Event ID 1013: Windows Search Service stopped normally.

I searched on internet via google, and a lot of reports on this error, the solution in Windows Vista Forums may resolve some people’s issue, but doesn’t work for me.

Eventually my solution is simple and easy:

1. Select Windows Search 4.0 from your installed updates. You may open your control panel and search for the panels as pictures below. I like this feature in Vista.

2. Uninstall the Windows Search 4.0 and restart. Open “Indexing Options”, you may find the windows search is back

3. If you want to re-install the Windows Search, Download Windows Search 4.0 here!

Good luck!