Since my update to 1709, I could never get Cortana to work, especially in the search depjartment. i've done considerable research and found that I am not alone with this problem. So far for all the offers of how to correct this problem have not worked. Personally, I don't care about the 'live chat' ...all i ask for is the old search box w henever i may have to get to a certain area. As of now, I do my limited searching by doing the Window + R, E routines, which is a pain. Am I too late in starting from scratch with a new win 10, or do i have to buy it? If i am not too late, could I get at least back to the 1709 version or not?You could try refreshing windows, or using "RESET Your PC" found in Settings. Though as you've not provided any specifics beyond "it doesn't work" who knows if that could fix it.

You could check indexing options and make sure the locations you want to search are being indexed by checking Indexing Options.


Also, if you don't actually utilize anything cortana specific, and just want the "old" file search feature from Vista through Windows 8.1 which searched your local files and shortcuts, you can turn off Cortana by creating an "AllowCortana" DWORD Value via Registry Editor at HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search.you can turn off Cortana by creating an "AllowCortana" DWORD Value via Registry Editor at HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search.>>>

I get as far as Windows and there is no  "Windows Search" shown.

You could try refreshing windows, or using "Reset Your PC" found in Settings. >>>

I don't know what version you have, but mine does not show anything that says "reset your PC" in my settings.

You could check indexing options and make sure the locations you want to search are being indexed by checking Indexing Options.>>>

i don't understand the above at all.
Personally, I disable Windows search and use "Everything" (https://www.voidtools.com/). It is lightweight, free, and provides instantaneous returns. Allan, thanks for the tip. 
Here is a review of Everything search tool:
http://download.cnet.com/Everything/3000-2379_4-10890746.html
Quote

Beta or prerelease software is not intended for inexperienced users, as the software may contain BUGS or potentially damage your system. We strongly recommend that users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing and/or using this software.

Windows Search has always had a number of neat tips and tricks you could use, but it was never quite on par with the search features of OS X and Linux. And while Windows 10 did lessen the gap in a lot of ways, it’s still slow and imperfect.
If you find yourself constantly searching for files and folders throughout your system, you may be better off switching to one of these third-party tool instead. Windows Search is only good for basic and casual use.

I get as far as Windows and there is no  "Windows Search" shown.

You could check indexing options and make sure the locations you want to search are being indexed by checking Indexing Options.>>>

i don't understand the above at all.