Windows 10: My folders + files on my desktop disappeared.

Hello,


I'd really appreciate if someone can help me out with this, can't find the solution anywhere.


" If the location is on this PC, make sure the device or drive is connected or the disc is inserted, and then try again. If the location is on a network, make sure you're connected to the network or Internet, and then try again. If the location still can't be found, it might have been moved or deleted. "


I started my laptop today and tried clicking on a folder that contained some documents/pictures on my laptop and I was given the following message :

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All the folders on my desktop displayed this error message. And some of my folders weren't even there.


Some Solutions I tried :


1. Desktop was missing in config\systemprofile so I inserted a new Desktop file. Restarted. Didn't work.

2. I tried to "Restore Default" in desktop properties.

3a. Some of my folders exist in File Explorer but when I click properties -> Security I get this message :

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3b. Previous Versions doesn't have anything.


4. Tried system restore to a point 9 days ago. No luck.


5. Tried to access files in Safe Mode. No luck.


Comments


1. There were no recent Windows Updates I performed.

2. I did not install a new version of Windows 10. I am currently on Windows 10.

3. Last thing I remember doing was being on Netflix and then putting my laptop to sleep and when I reopened it, this issue occurred.

4. I think my C:/ drive might be damaged but I'm not sure what caused it? And I believe all my files and folders exist somewhere but I just can't access them ( my capacity on my drive - used space vs free space is the same as before ).


Any help would be appreciated!

:)

 

Disappearing folder

I've encountered a strange problem in windows 10 where I tried to delete a file in a folder, but ended up deleting the whole directory. It did so without the usual pop-up to confirm delete or say it was too big for the recycle bin. It was my Videos folder, so pretty big, but the disk allocation has also remained the same.

I've always had a problem with 'double icons' for the different user folders, including videos, and so I'm thinking it could have something to do with the whole thing, especially as now one of the two video folders has disappeared from the users folders.

The first thing i tried was 'Undo delete', but it just bought the folder back with non of the contents. Then, I went straight to Recuva, but it came up blank (there must have been over 50 videos in the folder)

I'm at a little bit of a loss as where to start looking for this disappeared folder and was hoping someone might have some suggestions?

Screenshots below:

 

Desktop Files Disappearing on Windows 10

I am not able to do this because the folder disappeared with the files. The folder was on the desktop and those steps cannot be done on the desktop folder

 

Random Files & Folders Disappeared From Desktop

Hi Sean,

There are several causes of loss files or folders from the desktop. Most of the time, this issue might occur due to malwares or viruses. Here are some methods that you can try to find missing or lost files on your Windows 10 computer:

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin on your desktop.

Method 2: Check if you're signed in with a temporary profile.

• On Cortana search, type settings.
• Choose Settings from the list.
• Select on Accounts and then click on Sync your settings on the left pane.
• If there is a message at the top of the window that states "You are logged on with a temporary profile. Roaming options are currently unavailable", it means that you are signed in with a temporary profile. We recommend restarting your computer
  and sign in again.
• Check if it removed the temporary account, if yes, your files should be available.

Method 3: Use the Cortana search to look for your files. If there are no search results and you're not signed in with a temporary profile, we suggest that you run the troubleshooter to fix search problems. Follow these steps
on how to run the troubleshooter:

• On Cortana search, type indexing.
• Choose Indexing Options from the list.
• Click on the Advanced button and then select the Troubleshoot search and indexing link.
• Follow the steps to run the troubleshooter.

Update us with the outcome so we can provide further assistance.