A nice workaround to enhance searching on 64 bit Windows with OneNote

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As those of you who use 64 bit versions of Windows with OneNote know, there is a limitation placed on search results. If you use Windows Desktop Search (any version) to find OneNote files, the results are found as expected. The problem is that they are not clickable from the search window. If you try to open one of the found files, nothing happens.

A reader from New Zealand (go All Blacks!) sent me an email with a workaround he discovered. It involves modifying the registry, but when done, you will be able to click the results.

Here are the registry keys to edit (and as always, back up before modifying the registry - or just get ready to use System Restore):

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Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5858A72C-C2B4-4DD7-B2BF-B76DB1BD9F6C}]
@="Microsoft Office OneNote Namespace Extension for Windows Desktop Search"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5858A72C-C2B4-4DD7-B2BF-B76DB1BD9F6C}\InprocServer32]
@="C:\\PROGRAM FILES\\MICROSOFT OFFICE\\Office12\\ONFILTER.DLL"
"ThreadingModel"="Both"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5858A72C-C2B4-4DD7-B2BF-B76DB1BD9F6C}\ProgID]
@="OneIndex.ShellFolder.1"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5858A72C-C2B4-4DD7-B2BF-B76DB1BD9F6C}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:20180000
"WANTSFORPARSING"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{5858A72C-C2B4-4DD7-B2BF-B76DB1BD9F6C}\VersionIndependentProgID]
@="OneIndex.ShellFolder"

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I bold faced that second one since it may need to be changed on your computer. Notice the path - if you installed OneNote or Office somewhere other than the default, this will need to change. And make sure that the path uses the "Program Files" folder, NOT "Program Files (x86)."

To save some time from running using regedit to hand modify these keys, you can copy/paste the information above into notepad, ensure the path is correct, and save as a .REG file (be sure to change the file type dropdown to "All Files.)" Then you can double click that .REG file to add them all at once.

Now when you perform the desktop search, the results will look visibly different - they will have the OneNote icon - and they will be clickable.

Enjoy!

Questions, comments, concerns and criticisms always welcome,

John