The Standard Rebuild Spotlight Index Does Not Work

Question

Level 1

6 points

The Standard Rebuild Spotlight Index Does Not Work

If I try and force Spotlight to rebuild the index by adding the Mac HD (or any directory) to the Privacy List at Preferences -> Spotlight -> Privacy, I am unable to add it to the list. I get an unknown error and that returns me to the Privacy screen. In addition I have:

1) Run First Aid from within Sierra

2) Run First Aid from a Command-R boot.

3) Deleted the Spotlight V100 directory (paraphrase of exact directory name).

I have rebooted the machine several times and tried these methods with nothing else running.

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), macOS Sierra (10.12)

Posted on Sep 26, 2016 8:14 AM

Reply

Answer 1

CarlAVII

Community Specialist

Sep 27, 2016 11:34 AM in response to Snorkleboy13

Hi Snorkleboy13,

I understand that you're unable to rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac. I'd like to help you get this sorted out!

Before you continue troubleshooting, I'd recommend creating a Time Machine back up using the instructions here:

Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support
As a next step, I'd recommend that you try booting your Mac in safe mode to see if you get the same error message when you try to rebuild the Spotlight index using the steps found here:
Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac - Apple Support
If the issue persists after testing this in safe mode, I'd recommend that you reinstall macOS on your Mac. Reinstalling will preserve your user data unless you decide to use Disk Utility to erase your disk before performing the reinstall process. Take a look at this website for more information on how to reinstall macOS:
How to reinstall OS X - Apple Support
Take care!

Reply

Answer 2

Snorkleboy13 Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 27, 2016 12:13 PM in response to CarlAVII

I have made a Time Machine Backup.

I have reinstalled macOS.

I just tried starting in Safe Mode. It did allow me to add the Mac HD to Privacy List and then to remove it.

I do not see any indications that Spotlight Indexing is taking place. I have tried using Spotlight search for file types that I have many of. There is nothing there. I also don't see "indexing" under the search term as is normal.

I do not see any mdworker processes running.

I'm ready for the next set of suggestions and thank you in advance.

Reply

Answer 3

norm123

Community Specialist

Sep 27, 2016 12:35 PM in response to Snorkleboy13

Thanks for taking those steps, Snorkleboy13. At this point, we recommend reaching out to Apple Support to continue:
Contact Apple Support

Cheers!

Reply