Google this "Corrupt Profile." Add which windows version for a better search.
This issue can result in what you noted. It's an old issue and why we always backup what we can't lose.
Bob
Hi. I've got a Dell Inspiron 1501 (laptop), about 5 years old, never had a problem until recently.
When I start it up, it's been coming up with the desktop screen like it's a brand new computer. My desktop picture and all my files and icons on desktop are gone. So I start it up again, and again, and again. Sometimes it takes 7 or 8 tries before MY desktop comes back.
Is my hard drive going bad? I haven't noticed any grinding noises. What do you think could be causing this?
Any thoughts?
Thanks. Suz

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