Finder search results disappear, then reappear, then disappear, over and over again

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Level 1

4 points

Finder search results disappear, then reappear, then disappear, over and over again

I open up a finder window. Type anything in the search bar; "photo" for example. Results fill up the window then disappear, then reappear, then again disappear, and over and over again. It's hard to scroll and find the item you're searching for because you liteally have like 2 seconds before the results disappear again. Mojave OS 10.14.06. I've tried all standard troubleshooting, restart, reset PRAM, SMC, restart in safe mode, etc. I've even tried rebuilding spotlight search. I finally reinstalled Mojave over the existing Mojave and still No luck with anything.

iMac (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Sep 2, 2024 7:58 AM

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Answer 1

BDAqua

Level 10

245,507 points

Sep 2, 2024 3:17 PM in response to RichieAdler

Have you run Disk Utility's Disk First Aid on all connected drives?

In Disk Utility>View, select Show all Devices, highlight the top left entry.

Run Disk First Aid on all items in the left panel, from top down.

Are you running any VPN, Anti-Virus, or Cleaning apps?

We need to see what all is running, a report from this will not display any personal info...

Using EtreCheck - Apple Community

EtreCheck is a FREE simple little diagnostic tool to display the important details of your system configuration and allow you to copy that information to the Clipboard. It is meant to be used with Apple Support Communities to help people help you with your Mac. It will not display any personal info. Give it Full Disk Access.

https://www.etrecheck.com/

Give etrecheck Full Disk Access before running.

Thanks for Old Toad’s etrecheck instructions…

Slow iMac 2017 - Apple Community

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Answer 2

RichieAdler Author

Level 1

4 points

Sep 14, 2024 9:20 AM in response to BDAqua

Disk Utility/First Aid is green, no issues. No VPN, Anti-Virus or cleaning apps, but I don't see how that would affect Spotlight/Finder Search. Apple is stunned as well, they passed my call to Level 2 and then up to engineering, they are all baffled and cannot figure it out. They told me to give them a few days.

I'm not the only one either:

Finder search results disappear, then rea… - Apple Community

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 3

BDAqua

Level 10

245,507 points

Sep 14, 2024 9:17 AM in response to RichieAdler

OK, I was fishing for clues.:)

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