Windows 10: How do I find missing files that I know are there?

Today, my Malewarebytes reported a file which had been in my downloads directory, but had disappeared (along with all the files in my Downloads directory -- more on that later). Malewarebytes reported the file as being in my recycle bin. I do not see the file in my recycle bin.

In Malwarebytes I found the full directory tree to the file: C:\$RECYCLE.BIN\S-1-5-21-958093239-2335004113-3964217180-1003\.... I tried using File Explorer to get to that directory, but it said "Acess is Denied" (which is infuriating, since own the PC and am the only user... but, whatever).

Next, I use File Explorer to look at "C:\$RECYCLE.BIN" by typing that into the address bar. I do not see the same thing as when I click on Recycle Bin (so frustrating!), but I do see two files named "Recycle Bin" and others and one named "S-1-5-21-958093239-2335004113-3964217180-1003". Access is denied to that last one. I wanted to try to open File Explorer or that directory as a Manager, but couldn't figure it out.

Next I "Giving access to > ... Specific people" and then gave my self Read/Write access and clicking "Share". But now the directory has disappeared. WTF! (am I allowed to say that on this site?)

Where did this file and directory go? How do I find it? It's important to find it because one day last week all files in my Downloads directory disappeared. It wasn't a great loss, but I wanted to find them in Recycle Bin and at least figure out what happened (why they all disappeared) so I can at least feel like I have some control over my own machine. This is so frustrating compared to older versions of windows (and MS DOS!) where I could simply go the directory I wanted and find the files I wanted. I have no idea what this system is doing on my drive.

In Folder Options -- Advanced settings, I have "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" selected. I do NOT have "Hide...(all four".

TY

:)

 

opening .dds files with gimp

Simply, HOW? I got the DDS plugin but the POS wont open DDS files still. Can someone give me a step-by-step rundown of how to install the DDS plugin for gimp so I know if I'm missing something?

 

Burning Files To cdr

I tried to drag a .txt file to the burn list, as suggested above, but it will not drop in. I get a message "+add to burn list" but I cannot get it to drop into the burn list. Is there another step I am missing?

 

Admin password unknown and missing files after upload


Ok, I know these questions have been asked, but I have tried everything I can understand.
Need to be spoken like a noob - step by step please.
Win10 put on my system everything initially fine, then discovered files missing - tried to install a recover program to be frustrated by a prompt to input an admin password with User [USER-PC\USER]
I have tried every password ever used.
I have tried going to cmd prompt
I cant install anything to circumnavigate because I cant get past this dialogue.

any suggests?