Did you notice that when you install Windows Desktop Search, it replaces the Search Companion in the Windows Explorer? Probably you did…
If you want to change this back, for whatever reason, change the following registry entries:
Just for you:
[HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows Desktop Search\DS]
“ShowStartSearchBand”=dword:00000000
For all users:
[HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Desktop Search\DS]
“ShowStartSearchBand”=dword:00000000
Happy consulting!