Okay, I know, sounds crazy - but this morning I turn on my computer and I had no idea what was going on. My desktop was completely replaced by (what seemed to be) a start-up desktop. All my apps and data on the desktop were gone (including the wallpaper) although the start-up menu had some of them. I restarted my computer twice until it finally returned to a my normal desktop (pin screen is still just blue and not the normal picture background). Anyone have an idea of whats going on?
What shows under C:\Users? Sounds like Windows 10 created a new, temporary user for you because it couldn't read your normal one. See if there aere any new users that with strange names. This is mine:
I have a Temp Folder which is empty aside from my normal and Public Folder. No zeros appear anywhere. So, why would Windows 10 have a problem reading my default Folder and how could it correct itself after reboot?
Did it run Automatic repair at any time? One of the things that does is run chkdsk /f against the boot drive which could have fixed a corrupted file/folder.
It never ran automatic repair anytime I'm aware of - it just corrected itself on reboot. Call me paranoid or crazy but I believe Microsoft (through Windows 10) downloads everything on our computers and has all our information - kind of explains the mad rush forcing everyone to use Windows 10 - even giving free upgrades (highly unusual). Anyway, hope this doesn't keep happening.
Are you doing image backups using a program like Macrium Reflect (free or Home)? If not you should be. It's the only sure way to guarantee your data safety and a quick and easy way to recover in case of a Windows or hard drive failure.
You can pick up an external 1TB USB 3.0 SATA III drive for around $50 now days, which makes a perfect medium to backup to. 20-30 minutes to recover from any problem, even replacing a failed hard drive or SSD.
