Electronics

[sfnative]

This evening (08/07/18) clicked on the Windows logo in the lower left corner on my laptop.  Clicked on "Documents."  I nearly fainted multiple times, because "Downloaded" (or whatever version of the word is correct) was and is gone, as in disappeared.

In checking those files, they were last accessed yesterday, the 6th, at 2:11 p.m..  I was not home at that time, but my husband was.  Things are not well between us right now and, frankly, I wouldn't put it past him to pull something like this on me.

After about 20 minutes, I was able to access the files by clicking on the icon at the lower left of my screen, which is 3 manila folders sitting in a holder.  I think I had to click maybe 2 more times before I found my downloaded files, but I did.

My question:  Is there some way I can get my downloaded file access back where it belongs, when I click on "Documents," after clicking on the Microsoft Windowns logo?

Thanks so much in advance!

[Kachina624]

@sfnative.   I'm a little rusty on PC operation since I've gone 100% to a tablet, but why don't you put your valued files on a thumb drive then keep it in a safe place?

[LTT1]

@sfnative@Kachina624

I am rusty for this very same reason, but will it let you right-click on each file?

When you do, what choices does it give you?

Does it give you and option to “save to desktop?”

or “create shortcut?”

[glb613]

---

@sfnative wrote:

This evening (08/07/18) clicked on the Windows logo in the lower left corner on my laptop.  Clicked on "Documents."  I nearly fainted multiple times, because "Downloaded" (or whatever version of the word is correct) was and is gone, as in disappeared.

In checking those files, they were last accessed yesterday, the 6th, at 2:11 p.m..  I was not home at that time, but my husband was.  Things are not well between us right now and, frankly, I wouldn't put it past him to pull something like this on me.

After about 20 minutes, I was able to access the files by clicking on the icon at the lower left of my screen, which is 3 manila folders sitting in a holder.  I think I had to click maybe 2 more times before I found my downloaded files, but I did.

My question:  Is there some way I can get my downloaded file access back where it belongs, when I click on "Documents," after clicking on the Microsoft Windowns logo?

Thanks so much in advance!

---

This is another example of why you need to have a current backup or save important documents away from your computer.  If it was me, I'd do a backup then a system restore to a time right before your computer went wonky. 

[sfnative]

---

@LTT1 wrote:

@sfnative@Kachina624

I am rusty for this very same reason, but will it let you right-click on each file?

When you do, what choices does it give you?

Does it give you and option to “save to desktop?”

or “create shortcut?”

---

Once I found the optional go to for downloaded files, at least at that moment, I was pleased to have found them.  However, I have over 225 downloaded files and cannot imagine saving them to my desktop.  Frankly, don't know how to create a shortcut and am barely speaking to my husband.  I am leaving, once I can find a place to live on the cheap and have an attorney.  It's complex.

[DearPrudence]

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@LTT1 wrote:

@sfnative@Kachina624

I am rusty for this very same reason, but will it let you right-click on each file?

When you do, what choices does it give you?

Does it give you and option to “save to desktop?”

or “create shortcut?”

---

If you right click on the file (I can't tell where you ended up finding them) you will get the option to either send, copy, or move it to whatever folder you choose. In this case that would probably be documents.

[LTT1]

@sfnative

i’m so very sorry to hear this.😰

[sfnative]

@Kachina624

@glb613

@DearPrudence

@LTT1

Honestly, I was hoping for an answer, not a lecture on backing up, etc.

Let me admit to a horrible dynamic I've been dealing with for more years than I wish to admit, which has become worse and which had caused me to take action toward "leaving."

My husband has declared himself the "keeper" of all things relative to computers.  This includes thumb drives, a drive he has interfacing with his computer, a myriad of other stuff, including the brand new laptop my daughter, sil and granddaughter gave me for mother's day.  Yes, he absconded with my gift.

I am beside myself with grief about living with this alcoholic and now the issue with my downloaded files, as I'm establishing a new online business and need these files.  I'm going to purchase a flash drive with lots of memory and get these puppies on it.

In the meantime, me getting away from this place, finding a new very cheap place to live, an atty, etc., is going to take a while, as it's difficult getting chances to make calls and such, as I'm grounded from driving due to a fractured ankle and foot.

[Kachina624]

@sfnative.  I feel for you having been there and done that.  Living with an alcoholic can be a living hell.  I remember when you went through this before.  I only hope you can make the split with him for once and for all so you can relax and live in peace and serenity.  It's like riding a runaway rollercoaster,  isn't it?

[Peaches McPhee]

Try to change the "view" of the file list - tiles, etc.

OR

Under properties, click "Hidden" under attributes.

OR

search for the file name, and its new location may come up.

OR 

look under "navigation pane".

Good luck!  I know how frustrating computers can be.