HELP! My 'Documents & Settings' Folder Is Gone... WITH ALL MY STUFF!

[Joe Matt]

Ok guys, after starting up my PC on Windows 2000, I got an error message when logging in where the computer can't find the desktop settings and my profile information, even my documents. It then launches into a temporary windows desktop and asks for me to see an admin (that's me stupid!) Anyway, after some searching I found that in the C: drive my 'Documents and Settings' folder has disappeared, and in it's place is a single generic Windows files with that name. My HD still shows that the files are still on my computers, since there isn't more space on it. What should I do? I'm going to submit this to Kevin and the guys at TSS. For more information, I've installed all the latest Windows Updates and I don't use IE, I have a firewall and antivirus.

All help is appreciated! Many important files are JUST GONE.

[Jay H 237]

I thought about this for a little bit and it seems like your account has vanished or been corrupted (or atleast some of the files for it) from what you describe. With the temporary desktop it seems like its treating you like a guest. Your files are still there but since you can't log on as yourself (admin) you can't see/access them. Does anyone else use this computer and they could have done something? The only suggestion I can think of right now is if you create another admin account, different from your other one, and see if you can regain access to your documents. If this second admin account doesn't help you can always delete it.

If I think of anything else I'll post again.

[Raven_Writer]

My guess might be that it's hidden now.

I've never changed that folder's properties, so I'm not sure. But if you goto Tools [from the menu bar], then Folder Options, View, then change the "Hidden & System Files" option (assuming it's on "Don't show hidden & system files"), it might work.

I know on 98, that if a folder's hidden then WINDOWS can't access it anymore unless you choose to show the hidden files.

[sanddrag]

Your problem sounds like a profile type of thing. I don't really know much about profiles, but perhaps what you may need to do is delete your profile and then add it again, and copy the files from where they are, into your new profile. But don't go deleting anything based on what I say, perhaps someone with a little more expertise can give us a better answer. In any case, let us all know what you do and how it works out.