windows xp search not working

My first post! I have windows xp professional on my computer which was working great until I uninstalled a couple of programs. Now the search feature (to find files that I often lose) does not work. Does anyone know how to fix this? Or do I need to reinstall windows xp?

 

The easiest way, withought knowing what you uninstalled is to use system restore to take your configuration back to before the point you uninstalled (start>programmes>accessories>system tools>system restore)
Cheers,
10forcash