How to get search to work

Download the Windows Search application
http://windows-search.en.softonic.com/

3rd party Search Utilities
http://en.softonic.com/windows/search-utilities

I have tried several search utilities and all of them are better than the search utility included in Windows XP.

Some of the best search utilities I've used in order of preference:
Copernic desktop search
Super Finder
Everything
Locate32
File Seeker
Index Your Files
Instant File Name Search

more info... what are you searching for?

That's a big question, the above list is good but if you want regular windows search, start your indexing service in "services and applications" (x-1 works but its a huge program, also text finder is ok if your looking for really specific text)