Unable to use my windows search companion...please help

When I try to use my search companion i get an error message of componant missing...read of patch that says when you are searching for a web site and get an error message it can make you lose ur search options and the patch prevents you from recieving this problem...what do you do if it is too late to prevent...does this patch also fix the problem? I have searched every where for help so please respond if you have any ideas.  Thank you, CG