I woke up this morning to a blank desktop with this error message: windows/system32/config/systemprofile/desktop.

My computer is running on the default user setting. I have read the Windows help page but no luck. Anyone tech savvy out there that can offer assistance? I want my files back to the desktop. Thank you!

What Operating System are you using?

Do you have the ability to perform a System Restore?

This could return your settings back to where they stood at say, 6:00 PM yesterday.

If you have that option, have you ever exercised it?

I've only performed the function twice, and not recently . . . . but the key is to identify a prior moment in time which is "recent" but still far enough back to precede the advent of the default settings/codes.

Vermont is correct, you have a corrupted Windows system/config file or files. System Restore is the generic solution.

Thank you for your replies. Restoring the computer to an earlier date did not help because of a corrupt windows file from my original user name. The only option was to delete that name and make a new one.
On another note, I saw just how many BPO pics that were stored on my hard drive! It was great to restore some much needed space and delete them.
How long do you keep your pics for?

I generally delete my pics soon after the mill approves of my report. However I do a lot of work for Landsafe and keep those files for six months. The reason being is the report may pass the computerized auto-approval system, but may get kicked back weeks later by a review appraiser for any number of reasons.

All my LS files are stored on a portable external hard drive. It has 300 gigabytes of memory which is more than enough to store things on. It is completely separate from the internal hard drive of the computer. So if you wish to store photos, files or anything else and not clutter up your C drive, it may be the way to go for you. It simply connects to your computer via a USB port. The best thing is that if your hard drive crashes, that does not effect anything stored on the external drive!

Good luck!

PalmBeach, did you or your pc do a Windows Update prior to the error? An update can cause that error.

as I recall, after the Update, there should be two Desktop folders, one empty and one with desktop contents. the specific solution is to restore the correct Desktop folder/.ini file back into the indicated \systemprofile folder, and the original desktop items will be restored.

No Shana
I did not have a Windows update. I saw your recommended repair online, it did not work as all I had was a black screen with just the recycle bin. My son the techie is coming home from college maybe he can restore it correctly but since I deleted my old admin user name I don't know if it will work.

Thanks Brad for the idea of a external hard drive. I know that I need to do it, I've just been lazy. I spent the better part of the day yesterday deleting all the old pics, some go back to 2009. My hard drive is new (2011) but I reuploaded all the old pics. Not a smart move.