<p>I use <em>Eclipse 3.3</em> in my daily work, and have also used <em>Eclipse 3.2</em> extensively as well.  In both versions, sometimes the Search options (Java Search, File Search, etc) in the menu get disabled, seemingly at random times.  However, with <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>+<kbd>H</kbd>, I am able to access the search functionality.  Does anyone know why this happens?  Has it been fixed in <em>Eclipse 3.4</em>?</p>

I don't have an exact answer.  I will recommend that you try to correlate the disablement with which perspective is active.  Likewise, which view is active.  I have been using 3.4 and not experienced this issue.