Vista's search to be altered in first service pack, thanks Google

Seems that all it takes to get things done these days is whine and be named Google. A mere nine days after the aforementioned search giant kvetched about the rigidity of Vista's built-in search functionality, the higher-ups in Redmond have apparently caved. According to a blurb at CNET, "Microsoft plans to use the first service pack for Vista to make the changes to desktop search," and it was also suggested that the firm would detail these very changes "in a federal court filing being jointly made with the Justice Department." Man, talk about responsive.

[brendan Sheehan jnr @ Jun 19th 2007 11:40PM]

I much prefer Google to rule the world that Microsoft, well who wouldn't.

[michael @ Jun 20th 2007 12:06AM]

But I apprently don't appreciate Google storing privacy of my computer.

The thought that Google could tap into the privacy of your computer is rather unnerving I think. It's sad that Microsoft had to cave-in to Google's demands. Most peope prefer that Google doesn't bother with desktop search in Vista.

[Don Wilson @ Jun 20th 2007 1:02AM]

LOLCAT says: Der goez googles, steelin mah infoz!

[WL @ Jun 22nd 2007 12:49PM]

Yaay yet Microsoft's reign of terror end!
And let Google's reign of terr....ific desktop searching begin.

[Matt O @ Jun 19th 2007 11:41PM]

and the changes are...

[Johan S @ Jun 19th 2007 11:41PM]

If windows vista ultimate was sold for $49.95 instead of hundreds of dollars they wouldn't have so many people unsympathetic to them. Even with all this stuff in it, Vista just doesn't feel like a good deal after you've bought it.

FWIW, I think they should be allowed to include desktop search. But seriously, why don't they reduce the price of windows ..drastically?

[paloooz @ Jun 19th 2007 11:46PM]

I know so many people that would buy it for $49.95.

It's just too expensive, everyone I know gets the pirate copies.

[student @ Jun 20th 2007 6:39AM]

Dude, I'm a student taking loans but I don't balk at the price. Consider how many people they hire, lot of paychecks to send.

Also consider how often and how dependant you are on their software. You probably use it everyday. I suspect you might have an mp3 player, for ~ $150. Why is it that you cannnot justify $150 for excellent software that can be used for so many things, while you go out and by a device that can only play music for $150?

[Rowdehaj @ Jun 20th 2007 9:23AM]

Because a 150 dollar MP3 player adds a lot. Upgrading from XP to Vista for that amount of money, taking into account the horrendous compatibility problems and bugs still in the software, really is not.

[tcc3 @ Jun 20th 2007 10:29AM]

Rowdehaj - Then dont upgrade.

Im sick of all the damn whiners. If Vista isnt worth it and you dont want it, then why does it affect you? Stay with XP if you like it so much.

I have Vista - I happily chose it over XP for my newly built machine. Its not mind blowing, but it offers some nice features over XP - just like XP did in its day.

[rafa @ Jun 19th 2007 11:48PM]

If there's one thing an OS needs it's an integrated search. I don't want to run Google's search on top of my OS, I want it to be an integrated service. If it feels like an external app then it loses its convenience and utility.

[pkilla @ Jun 20th 2007 7:16PM]

I agree google's desktop will slow down the cpu along with being to intrusive. I think the search in Vista is fine as it is now.

[Karim @ Jun 19th 2007 11:51PM]

Awesome! Now how about some advertising in my Windows Explorer window, too! Maybe ads on the Start Menu? 'Cause God knows what the world needs is MORE Google data collection and advertising!

[Jaxim @ Jun 19th 2007 11:58PM]

maybe Google should whine to Apple that their search isn't included in OSX?! Sheesh!!

[Alex Killby @ Jun 20th 2007 12:04AM]

I have a bad feeling that Google has done something horrible here. Maybe the integrated operating system search has lost some sort of functionatlity with this update that would make it more of a plug-in to windows. Let's just hope it's some sort of compatibility fix for google to be happy though.

[Andir3.0 @ Jun 20th 2007 8:21AM]

If Windows was more "open" they could sell their solution to desktop search included and other companies could "plug-in" their solution with no problem for those that want it effectively removing the Microsoft solution. Unfortunately, Microsoft assumes that everyone wants their solution and will therefore integrate it into fourteen other aspects of the OS for no real reason making it near impossible to remove. (I'm looking at you IE) The biggest problem I have with Microsoft is just that. They need to start adopting open standards for interoperability and allow third parties access to develop components that users want. That would be too competitive for Microsoft though. They might have to actually work, innovate and improve.

[Eric @ Jun 20th 2007 12:09AM]

this could be potentially really horrible.

[Jumbie @ Jun 20th 2007 12:12AM]

All I really want is for Advanced Search to be set as the default option.

Why not Microsoft? It can't be that hard.

As for Google, they lost a lot of my respect on this one. I like them as my web search and Gmail rocks but I really don't need an extra app on my computer to search.

[C @ Jun 20th 2007 12:13AM]

does anyone install google search? I figured since some apps try to make you install it, that no one wants it. What a crybaby company.

[Paul @ Jun 20th 2007 12:15AM]

MS should keep their search in Vista, Google's desktop search is bloated and violates consumer privacy.

[FXi @ Jun 20th 2007 12:25AM]

Yep Google dropped a few pegs on this one. I really need more ads in my day to day OS useage. Google is just looking for a back door into my OS. And frankly, I don't want them, I don't need them, and after this little stunt, I don't trust them one bit.

Prompted me to remove all the Google stuff from all other places. Bye bye Google.

[ShaleX @ Jun 20th 2007 12:30AM]

Screw this.. NO, Google shouldn't do this. I paid good money for a OS with all these features integrated and ready to go out of the box. And in this situation it's another case of Microsoft made a Fine OS, but everybody else is fuckingit up for them. Lazy driver developers are making the systems run slowly, lazy developers aren't patching their programs to run without needing to be admin... all this crap is making vista suck. But hell they get something right, next thing they are forced to break it.

Go To hell Google... I'm sick of you fucking toolbar ta was once a nice option, and now has become spyware, as i'm pratcially forced to install it in every web-based application i download. And this is the shit Apple uses to make fun of windows.

[david @ Jun 20th 2007 2:15AM]

M$ shit! AND Google shit!

[bluebonics @ Jun 20th 2007 12:31AM]

As much as a like Google, I rather dislike Google search. I suggest that nobody download their app (not really sure if anyone actually does). The integrated search, from what little I used of Vista, was the one thing that actually impressed me.

[Mike Berry @ Jun 20th 2007 1:00AM]

Now, when will Google go after Apple for Spotlight? :)

[Murc @ Jun 20th 2007 1:11AM]

I paid 260 for Home Premium, I'll be damned if google is gonna start F'ing with that.
the built in search is great, itsnot a feature I use daily, but when I have used it, its always came threw flawlessly.

I used to like google... but my view of them is beginning to dwindle.

Microsoft - grow a back bone and fight this.

[justin.johnson3 @ Jun 20th 2007 1:35AM]

While normally a fan of Google's practices I feel that they have just done a terrible thing and have forever crippled desktop searching. Vista's search is a vast improvement over XP's and is fully integrated into every explorer window. It's pretty good as long as you take the time to tag your photos and music. I hope Service Pack 1 doesn't remove too much functionality.

[spades @ Jun 20th 2007 1:40AM]

I dont think you guys understand whats going on. Google is not bitching to include their desktop search in windows. The problem here is the same problem we had with IE built in....there is NO way to turn it off or uninstall it so anybody (read: google) who installs google desktop search is actually being double indexed and wasting resources. All google demanded was that M$ gave developers a way to shut off Vi$ta's built in search so they can compete in this area....A level playing field is all they are asking for, Im actually surprised M$ went for it.

[Karim @ Jun 20th 2007 4:33AM]

> there is NO way to turn it off or uninstall it so
> anybody (read: google) who installs google desktop
> search is actually being double indexed and wasting
> resources.

That is a lie. Windows Search can be easily turned off both manually (e.g. net stop "windows search") and programmatically. Here is a simple script that stops Windows Search and then sets the startup type to Disabled:

---
strComputer = "."
Set objWMIService = GetObject("winmgmts:" _
& "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\" & strComputer & "\root\cimv2")

Set colListOfServices = objWMIService.ExecQuery _
("Select * from Win32_Service Where DisplayName = 'Windows Search'")

For Each objService in colListOfServices
objService.StopService
errReturnCode = objService.ChangeStartMode("Disabled")
Next
---

You're telling me all those geniuses at Google couldn't figure out a little WMI?

> The problem here is the same problem we had with
> IE built in....

"We?" So you work with the morons who can't disable a service in Windows?

Oh and how did that "IE built in" problem work out for you? Years in court, probably millions of dollars made by some law firms. Did you make the world safer by having IE ripped out of the operating system?

> All google demanded was that M$ gave developers a way
> to shut off Vi$ta's built in search so they can compete
> in this area....

"Demanded?" Must be nice that Sergey and Larry can go around "demanding" what OTHER COMPANIES can or can't do.

Anyway, problem solved, see script above. Tell your friends at Google I would like one million dollars wired to my checking account. Oh, and a 747 with a waterbed and a disco ball.

Did I say "like?" I meant "DEMAND."

F--kin' morons.

[funvin @ Jun 20th 2007 4:52AM]

@ Karim
Are you kidding me? Vista should ask during installation if you want to set Vista search as default or it should download google search for you. Heck, it should ask upfront if you want to install Vista or should it download linux for you. Its not a level playing field if when you are installing Vista, it installs Vista by default.

Oh, and while we are at it, how about a google toolbar for File Explorer?

[Karim @ Jun 20th 2007 5:08AM]

LOL @ funvin

Yes, I agree! For the Vista DVD to only contain Vista is clearly an abuse of monopoly power!!! Not only should Windows Setup offer to install Linux, the list should be alphabetical, so Linux should be listed before Vista!!! ;-)

[paralipsis @ Jun 20th 2007 1:45AM]

I'm no fan of the Google search desktop application, but if Microsoft made it specifically difficult to operate third-party search software on Vista then I think they have a point.

For those that whine that making it optional will destroy the functionality of Vista's integrated search, I'm sorry, I just don't get it. Hell, I'm no programmer, but I don't see why Vista SP1 will not just leave the search exactly as it functions now, but make it removeable at the user's request. Sure, I can see how the greater the level of integration, the more complex the removal procedure will be, but I'm sure Microsoft can manage it eventually.

Of course it all seems pretty much a moot point if we don't see SP1 for Vista come out for a long time.

[eh @ Jun 20th 2007 1:48AM]

Yes, thanks Google. Now theres another program I dont want trying to be automatically installed to my computer from websites and programs. Im sure Google can offer so many more useful features than what Vista's regular search has, like collecting my search history and sending it to google servers.

[DG @ Jun 20th 2007 1:55AM]

I don't think I understand this. When I go to google.com, should I click a box that makes the Google search show Live results? Because that seems pretty stupid, but pretty similar to what Google's asking for here. I have Microsoft Vista installed on my PC, not Google OS. If Google OS were an option, I might consider installing it. How about they develop their own operating system first before crying about getting locked out of Microsoft's?

Seriously, I just don't understand. I like Vista's search the way it is, without a big Google logo. I like Vista's sidebar the way it is, without a big Google logo. I use Gmail and expect Google's ads there, but that's because I opt in. Why do they have a right to my OS?

[Barret @ Jun 20th 2007 2:29AM]

I was going to say the same thing. If Google really has an issue, they need to design their own operating system and give the user the option of which search they want to use.

Really now, I'm usually pro-Google, but Microsoft has clearly attempted to implement tools that benefit the user. I feel sorry for the people who will accidentally lose their integrated search functionality after installing Google desktop without knowing what it is/does.

Google, the world tried to forgive you for Desktop Search by ignoring it, but it was really our subtle way of telling you to get rid of it before enough people noticed. It is a shameless adware and spyware package that goes against your own business model.

[reno @ Jun 20th 2007 2:08AM]

Stop yer bitchin' Google, thats all I gotta say

[bazald @ Jun 20th 2007 2:10AM]

Holy hell. How many comments against this decision have I just read? I haven't seen this much anti-Google sentiment before.

If there is no option to disable Vista's search functionality, there should be one. (I haven't had the opportunity to use the operating system yet, so I can't say that there isn't one.) I say this because I want to be able to run a bare-bones system on low end hardware if I need to. Not because I would prefer to install Google's software, or anyone else's.

But really, these comments are a bit absurd.

[kompressor @ Jun 20th 2007 3:04AM]

Don't judge until you've tried it. Your two cents are no good here.

[Iam9376 @ Jun 20th 2007 4:04AM]

LMFAO; I'm thinkin' if you want to run a bare-bones system on low end hardware Vista is not what your looking for..

it's a bit absurd

[bazald @ Jun 20th 2007 3:49AM]

@Iam9376

Today's high end hardware is low end a couple years from now. Even after my next upgrade (desperately waiting for a quad core notebook), I'll be shutting off services eventually to squeeze out every last bit of power, but you can bet I'll be running Vista a lot of the time. (Linux too, but gamedev has to be done in Windows for the most part...)

[SaratogaCx @ Jun 20th 2007 2:47AM]

Google should've done a bit of research before they cried to the DOJ... but just in case someone there reads this here's a quick little hint.

sc stop wsearch
sc config wsearch start= disabled

DONE! Vista search is off.

[bic @ Jun 20th 2007 2:52AM]

@spades
Actually, it is very easy to turn of Vista's native integrated search and its indexer. And there is no hindrance to installing Google Desktop Search.

Seriously, what is Google's problem? Do they want a version of Vista without the integrated function, EU's Windows XP N - style? If so, then it's obviously stupid whining, since Microsoft, as the maker of the OS, should have to right to include new features into its product. I think consumers expect a sophisticated search function when they purchase an OS.

If you start taking away all these features because of "anti-competitiveness", you might as well take away the file system, the desktop environment, etc., and just make Microsoft ship a barebone kernel.

[Dragod @ Jun 20th 2007 2:59AM]

My god... Google does it again. They sound like an Eight Year old crying... "BUT THAT'S NOT FAIR! Theirs is better than mine! Teacher, tell Jimmy to share!!"

If ANYTHING, it should just be an option to stop using the Search, and use a third party search. For some reason this gives me the feeling that this won't make people want to use Google....

[bic @ Jun 20th 2007 3:04AM]

@SaratogaCx

You don't even need to do that. There are multiple frigging GUI methods of turning the indexer off.

1) Control Panel -> Indexing Options

2) Services -> Windows Search Service -> Disabled / Stop

Again, what seems to be the problem here? Shouldn't a modern OS be able to ship with an integrated search function?

Many non tech-savvy consumers just want things to work, and work well out-of-box, and I don't see a problem with this natural improvement in search function.

Also, the consumers are also given a straight-forward, intuitive method of disabling the native application in lieu of an alternative.

[Carbonize @ Jun 20th 2007 3:05AM]

I'm all for being able to turn off services in Vista that we don't need but do you seriously think that's why Google complained? Google complained because, in my opinion, there is no need for Google desktop on Vista since the built in search does everything I need. Same with Google toolbar, really no need for it with IE7 since it has search and pop up stopper built in.

[KC @ Jun 20th 2007 3:29AM]

That's really dumb. What's next? Someone's going to complain about the "locate" on *nix platforms for having the unfair advantage? What else? "dir" and "ls" cannot be shipped with the OS?

[Deezee @ Jun 20th 2007 3:53AM]

Sorry but Google's search does not work better than the built in Vista search. It just doesn't. This might be a good idea in theory to give people more choices but nobody's gonna change the default when it works better than the alternative. Google should spend less time suing and more time improving their desktop search.

[Eros @ Jun 20th 2007 4:07AM]

Google become annoying these days.

[wargarurumon @ Jun 20th 2007 4:26AM]

boohoo, go wine at home google

[funvin @ Jun 20th 2007 5:01AM]

But given that Eric Schmit sits on Apple's board, he doesn't want things to just work out of the box in Windows.