Laptop Problem

[Anna]

Mandryka, don't understand the signing into google, what browser do you use, do you have a google toolbar and do you use gmail.com?

[Paul N]

Mandryka - re the missing icons and program shortcuts - this might be because they have become hidden. Try opening Windows Explorer (or My Computer), select a folder, then click Tools/Folder Options and click the View tab. Make sure 'Show hidden files and folders' is selected, click 'Apply' and then click 'Apply to all folders'.

Don't know about the Google sign-in or email settings - perhaps some of the settings for these programs got changed?

[Anna]

Not sure if this would help, I leave it to the techies, but if Mandryka did a Restore System to the day before all this happened - would he get a result?

[johnb]

Anna, I was thinking the same. However, before doing s system restore I would do a backup image to an external hard drive using, say, Acronis True Image.

(If new to True Image - it is very important to create a recovery CD with the software as it will probably be required to restore any backup image.)

[johnb]

PS Did I mention backup images?

[JoeG]

System restore is the way to go - I had to do this to get rid of some nasties - your files should be safe you would lose any programs installed since the restore point you go back to but otherwise shouldn't be a problem. Good luck!! If you can't access System Restore from you normal desktop go into Safe Mode again!

[Mandryka]

Mandryka - re the missing icons and program shortcuts - this might be because they have become hidden. Try opening Windows Explorer (or My Computer), select a folder, then click Tools/Folder Options and click the View tab. Make sure 'Show hidden files and folders' is selected, click 'Apply' and then click 'Apply to all folders'.

Don't know about the Google sign-in or email settings - perhaps some of the settings for these programs got changed?

Thanks for that, Paul. Just did as you said, and all the documents reappeared! :)