My public profile is missing...

[Elysium]

Okay, I'm sorry if I put this in the wrong place but I really really need help.

I restarted my computer to update the security system I have on there, but when I logged back on I got a message that said something like "Windows cannot find local profile so you have to use a temporary profile"

My local profile had all of my writing and my current WIPs on it, so I am pretty upset and I did go look at the Dell Support Center but I really don't understand anything it says and if anyone knows what I'm talking about, I'd really appreciate some help or any input.

Thanks!

[backslashbaby]

Are you familiar with System Restore? That's probably the easiest thing to do at the moment...

[Williebee]

Public file, or Public Folder, and are you running Vista?

Or did it say "Local Profile" as in:

"Windows cannot find the local profile and is logging you on with a temporary profile. Changes to your profile will be lost when you log off. "

[Elysium]

I saw the system restore button, but I was scared to push it. I'm horrible when it comes to technology but I guess if everything is already gone, I have nothing left to lose.

Thanks!

[Elysium]

Public file, or Public Folder, and are you running Vista?

Or did it say "Local Profile" as in:

"Windows cannot find the local profile and is logging you on with a temporary profile. Changes to your profile will be lost when you log off. "

Oops, yeah I meant Local Profile.

[Williebee]

This is usually an indication that the machine you are on can't see a server, (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/257580) where the profile is stored.

What's the Operating System, and are you on a office/school network?

[Elysium]

Okay, thanks, I'll read over everything.

[Adam Israel]

I would recommend against a system restore -- at least for now. There are other things you can do first and those options should be exhausted before you do a system restore and potentially destroy data.

[Matera the Mad]

System restore -- the Windows registry backup feature -- should not destroy data. Using a restore disk or the manufacturer's hidden on-disk reset would certainly do so, but that has not been and should not be advised. Let's not confuse things and get scary, eh? System restore has pulled a few chestnuts out of my fire. One only wants to be certain that the right process is being started. A System restore could restore a lost profile.

Files might be retrievable from a lost profile in Safe Mode, but a familiarity with the baroque (in the case of Vista, bizarre) file system is necessary. Why people should get to know a little about what Windows is hiding before feces happens. It's no more arcane than knowing which end of your car the engine is in.

Another favorite point: I constantly advise NOT relying on one's personal folder for all file storage. Because this kind of thing happens. There should be a regular backup in some neutral zone -- even C:\stuff can be safer sometimes.

[Adam Israel]

Thanks for the clarification, Matera. Being a bit rusty on Windows arcana, I got nervous at System restore vs. Restore discs. Confusion between the two could be disasterous.