Windows 10: Files gone but folders and subfolders still here

Hi,unfortunatelly i have saved quite a lot on my desktop. Today when I started my laptop, all of the older files were gone, but the folders were somehow still here, including subfolders. Newer files that I have worked on in the past few days are also still here. So is all the stuff in the trash, downloads and documents.I've checked for hidden files.Tried a recovery softwareSearched for the missing files.No "old" systempoint available.Searched in C/userNothing!Where did they go?

:)

 

?? How do I PW protect Folders in windows

hmmm?
Sharing files and folders overview You can share the files and folders stored on your computer, on a network, and on the Web. The method you choose depends on whom you want to share files with, and what computer they will use to access the files.

When you share files or folders, they are not as protected as they are when you do not share them. People with access to your computer or your network might be able to read, copy, or change files that are in a shared folder. You should always be aware that the files and folders that you share are available to other people and be sure to monitor your shared files and folders on a regular basis.

Important

If your computer is not joined to a domain, you can use the Network Setup Wizard to automatically turn file and printer sharing on or off. To start the Network Setup Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
If you both use the same computer

You can put the files you want to share in the Shared Documents folder. Files stored in the Shared Documents folder or its subfolders are always available to other users on your computer.

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, the Shared Documents, Shared Pictures, and Shared Music folders are not available.
If both computers are on the same network

You can share a folder or drive on your computer with others on the network. You can also control whether the files in the shared folder can be modified by other users.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, you will need to set the Access control for the folder or drive after sharing it. For more information, go to To set, view, change, or remove file and folder permissions.
If you want to share your files online

You can publish pictures and documents on the Web using the Web Publishing Wizard. The files will be stored in a private, online folder that you manage.

Step-by-step procedure

If you don't want others to access your files

You can prevent other users from accessing your folders and the files they contain. When your computer is connected to a domain, this is called setting permissions for your file or folder. When your computer is connected to a workgroup, this is called making your folders private.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure

'HELP' it can be your friend *Smile

 

File Explorer - List / View all files in subfolders of a folder

In File Explorer, Is there any way to list/view all files in subfolders of a folder, without using command line or windows search? Thank you

 

Win 10 Desktop - one folder with 30 subfolders completely gone

Hi & help! *cry

At a total loss here. Win 10 HP EliteDesk 800 G4 about 7 months old. 1TB External backup always running. No issues with either and about 150 folders with many more subfolders (pics, videos, business files, the usual) Don't access many business folders consistently and none since Covid started, but today needed a picture - and -- the ENTIRE business photo folder is completely gone.

Gone from the PC. Gone from the backup. Every other folder, subfolder and file is there in both places as usual. Nothing else missing. Folder was too big to not notice if I mistakenly moved or deleted. Tried searching by folder and subfolder name - nothing on either device. It could have been gone since March, or gone yesterday - no idea since I hadn't gone to look for anything in a while. It's been there prior since around 2013, though, with no issues - on the last 3 desktops I've had.

Found a handful of the missing images I had posted elsewhere and searched both devices by file name. I thankfully did find some of those in a few old phone upload folders (many hundreds of photos all in one folder direct from camera roll, nothing organized like the missing folder was.) however it did NOT appear anywhere else. It's clear that folder is just 100% gone.

I've changed to "show all files and folders" - nothing
Looked in every other folder everywhere - nothing
Looked on the backup drive - nothing
Looked on every USB drive - nothing

I can't imagine how it would dissapear from both devices; even if say I deleted or moved the whole thing by mistake from my desktop (not likely) - it should have been on the backup drive!

I am stuck - any troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated before I call it lost -- then spend about 8 hours going through whatever old folders I have to pick the pictures out one by one and re create 30 replacement folders *Sad

Thanks all!