Windows 10: Desktop files disappeared and cannot be searched or unhidden, help

Hello, I was working on something in chrome and suddenly I noticed all of my desktop files disappeared. I tried searching and unhiding them as suggested in some threads but I still couldn't get them back. They are not in the recycle bin. Any ideas of what might be happening? Some files are quite important and I really need them back.

I also had had an issue a week ago where I would save a certain file and it disappears from the desktop every time. I saved the file to a new location and it stayed. I wonder if this is the same issue. Please help *Sad

:)

 

desktop

My DESKTOP has disappeared! I can do searches for individual files but the full desktop with all icons is nowhere to be seen.

Help!

 

Windows 10

please also tell me what i have to do with the files and folders you have told me to make unhidden, they have appeared on the desktop. An i supposed to delete them???

 

Welcome to the forum first job is to check the disk for errors

 

Thanks! I did the error checking in properties and it found no errors. My drive is a SSD bought around 3 years ago... Any other ideas?

 

Virtual desktops perhaps? What happens if you press the Windows key + TAB?

How to Use Virtual Desktops in Windows 10

 

Is the computer running any form of Crypto-protection? In the past, I've run into a side effect that I an end-user could no longer access Users folder. I'm wondering if a protection program is keeping you the end-user out of the Desktop area?

 

Thanks, but it's not that. I tried searching for those files and even using recovery software, I couldn't find them. They just disappeared mysteriously. I've booked a callback from Microsoft and I hope they can help... But in the meantime if anyone has suggestions it would be great because I really need those files *Sad

 

How do I find out? I just scanned with Windows defender and it said there's no threats, but I do not have other antivirus software, is it possible that I might have a virus?

 

If you did not install any sort of Crypto protection, then, my earlier post is moot. I'll be listening in and learning alongside you.

 

Is there any new profiles if hours failed it would create a new one from default the old profile would still be there

 

Well, it seems like the files are completely gone. Software like Recuva can't find them either. Disk seems to have no problems. I've got the call back from Microsoft but they can't find the problem and blamed it on viruses, so I did a full scan but couldn't find anything.
Even now when I save new files to the desktop they disappear after a while...

Has anyone got other ideas? *Sad

 

I suggest you try 3rd party search software like Everything Search by VoidTools which is totally free, fast and efficient.
It's a long shot but Everything will show hidden files and folders in the results and you can right click > open to go to the folder
Everything has a portable version so you can test it without installing it. I always use the portable version

You might also want to try a 3rd party file explorer like Free Commander or Explorer++
Both are free and Portable

Good luck *Smile

 

a. You could leave Sysinternals Procmon running, leave your PC e.g. overnight or until an item is deleted from your desktop, then inspect the (extremely long) log to see what's deleted your file.

The program has very good filters, so you should be able to find actions related to your desktop relatively easily, then inspect the full log around that time.

===========================
b. Elimination
Does this happen
a. in Safe Mode
b. after a clean boot?

 

Thanks dalchina, I left that running and now some of my files disappeared. I just put my computer to sleep overnight. But I don't really know how to go from here. How would I be able to find the related parts of the log and then what to do? I'm new to this so I'd appreciate your advice!