An indexer is not assigned to the Shared Services Provider.

The problem:

Error when trying to view profile information in your Shared Service Provider:

An error has occurred while accessing the SQL Server database or the Office SharePoint Server Search service. If this is the first time you have seen this message, try again later. If this problem persists, contact your administrator.

Error when trying to view the search settings in your Shared Service Provider:

An indexer is not assigned to the Shared Services Provider.

This will occur if you stop your search service - in which case you will also need restart the service!

Solution:

1. Open Central Administration
   
2. Go to Shared Services Administration
   
3. Click the SSP and select edit properties from its drop down list
   
   
   
   
4. Enter the SSP process account password
5. Assign the index server
   
   
   
   
6. Select Ok