Hi,
I have had the same problem. I have found the reason and the work around.
In windows, regional settings is causing the trouble.
In windows if your regional settings format is other than English, SOPC builder is freeze on start up showing ""Saving your ip search....".
The workaround to the problem, is to open "Control Panel" > "Region and Language" or "Regional Settings" dialog , on Format Page select English(American).
With this workaround you may use SOPC Builder normally even in non-English version of Windows. But Altera should notice the problem and can provide fix in future releases.
Bye.
Selcuk BASAK