I would like to remove Windows Search 4.0 from my computer. XP SP3

Hi Soldieridaho,

Step 1: Run the fixit from the following article and check.

Diagnose and fix program installing and uninstalling problems automatically
http://support.microsoft.com/mats/Program_Install_and_Uninstall/

Step 2: Check for the issue in clean boot state.

Starting your computer by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program. This kind of startup is known as a "Clean boot."

Refer:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353 

After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start as usual:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. Type msconfig, and then click OK.

The System Configuration Utility dialog box is displayed.

3. Click the General tab, click Normal Startup - load all device drivers and services, and then click OK.
4. When you are prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.

Also check for error messages in event viewer. If you find any error messages then post back the exact error message so that we can assist you better.

Refer:
Using Event Viewer
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/snap_event_viewer.mspx?mfr=true

Understanding Event Viewer
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/event_overview_01.mspx?mfr=true

How to view and manage event logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427

Hi,

Do you have any issues with windows search 4.0?

Step 1: In Add/Remove programs, do you have the box checked next to "Show Updates" at the top? If not, please do this and you will see Windows Desktop Search 4.0 and be able to uninstall it.
  
Step 2: You may also try the below steps which has helped few.
  
a. Click on start button, type cmd.
b. Now in the search result right-click on cmd.exe and select Run as administrator.
c. Type regsvr32 /u "%programfiles%\Windows Desktop Search\wdsShell.dll" and press enter.
  
Description of Windows Search 4.0 and the Multilingual User Interface Pack for Windows Search 4.0
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940157