What is Google Desktop Search (GDS  127.0.0.1:4664)?

Google Desktop Search (GDS, Google Desktop 5.9) is an application published by Google in 2004 and discontinued on September 14th 2011 and is no longer available for download by a trusted source. Google Desktop Search is used to find e-mail, files, and Web and IM histories instantly. Google Desktop Search works offline and is compatible with applications including Outlook, Outlook Express, Word, AOL Instant Messenger, Excel, Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, and Notepad.

127.0.0.1:4664 is a DNS IP address that the Google Desktop Search application (GDS App) uses.

Referred Web Traffic From 127.0.0.1:4664

If you are a website owner or webmaster, you may have noticed referred traffic from address 127.0.0.1:4664 or a URL string with 127.0.0.1:4664 implemented in it. This is because a visitor was referred to your website from the Google Desktop Search application.

Someone may have used the application to search the Web to find information on your website, or may have been referred to your website utilizing email content.

Can’t establish a connection to the server at 127.0.0.1:4664

Some Google Desktop Search users have reported issues concerning server connection errors and negative browser functionality when the GDS application is installed onto their computer systems. These users are often prompted by messages that state Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc., “can’t establish a connection to the server at 127.0.0.1:4664” or “the webpage 127.0.0.1:4664, cannot be found.”

There are many reasons for these particular errors with separate solutions to stop these errors from occurring, but mostly these issues can be linked to either 1. Compromised or corrupted software/source (Malware) or 2. Simple bug in the application and system.

Google Desktop Search Malware (127.0.0.1:4664 Malware)

CNET Downloads is currently the most popular source to download Google Desktop Search, but over the past few years, CNET Downloads has started to bundle malware or compromise software distributed on their website in order to earn revenue.

How to fix 127.0.0.1:4664 errors

To fix errors associated with Google Desktop Search it is recommended to uninstall and discontinue using the software. Google is no longer distributing GDS software and updates.

How to Uninstall Google Desktop Search (GDS, Google Desktop)

Outlined below are several Uninstall options.

1. Access Windows Start Menu and open the Control Panel.

2. In the programs section select Uninstall a program or Add and remove programs to open Windows Uninstaller.

3. In the listed of installed programs search for the Google Desktop Search application and uninstall it by double clicking the icon, or highlighting the icon and clicking Uninstall.

It is also recommended to search for suspicious software that may have bundled with a compromised version of Google Desktop Search and Uninstall the suspicious software if necessary.

Windows Systems

1. Click the Start menu button in your Windows taskbar.
2. Go to Programs > Google Desktop > Uninstall Google Desktop.
3. Select the ‘Remove completely for all users’ option.
4. Click the Yes button.
5. If you’d like to delete your personal search index as well, deselect the ‘Keep index and gadgets’ checkbox.
6. Click the Uninstall button to complete the process.

Mac Systems

1. In the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. Select Google Desktop.
3. Click the Feedback tab.
4. Click Uninstall Google Desktop.
5. If you’d like to save your current index, be sure to select the box next to ‘Save data from Google Desktop for later.’ To delete your index, keep the box deselected. Saving the current index will allow Google Desktop to rebuild its index faster if you plan to reinstall Google Desktop in the future.
6. Click Uninstall.
7. Restart your computer.

On a FileVault volume? Uninstalling won’t remove your Google Desktop index if your home directory is on a FileVault volume. You can manually remove it with the following command:

sudo rm -rf ~/.GoogleDesktop.trindex

Linux Systems

If your system uses rpm package management, please follow these steps to uninstall Google Desktop for Linux:

1. Open a terminal
2. Switch to root privilege or use sudo to run the command: rpm -e google-desktop-linux

If your system uses deb package management, please follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal
2. Switch to root privilege or use sudo to run the command: dpkg -r google-desktop-linux

Alternatively, you can use your Linux system’s GUI package management tool to remove Google Desktop Linux. If you choose to uninstall this way, please note that the package name is “google-desktop-linux.”

1. Antivirus Software

Malwarebytes is the most recommended Anti-Malware software used to scan, detect, and remove malware.

Once software is installed and updated, run a full system scan to remove any malware that may have infected your computer.

• View more Antivirus software recommendations on our Antivirus software page.

2. System Restore (Troubleshoot)

Perform a system restore to an automatic restore point created by Window’s each week and during system updates. System restores are great for troubleshooting the removal of stubborn software and malware.

• View complete system restore information and instructions
• View complete Windows 8 refresh and restore information and instructions