Windows 7: SP 1 install wiped out programs and data?

Help needed! I received a message about Windows updates being ready to install, but not the usual "be sure to back up all data, etc." so I closed all open programs and set it to run while taking the dog for his morning walk. Upon return, I see a new home page without all the previous icons and the following oddities:
1. Outlook needs to be reinstalled. If I do this, I'm afraid that I will have to recreate my address book, email files, and calendar entries
2. iTunes doesn't show my music library, Picassa 3.8 needs to be (re)installed.

What happened? The files (data, photos and music) are still on my C drive, but no longer show up when each program is launched. I think I can figure out how to tell Picassa to import the photos, and I assume iTunes can be told to search for the music library. But I'm primarily worried about the contacts, etc. in Outlook. If I sync my iPhone, will the contacts there be added to Outlook? Ditto with the calendar entries. And how do I import the emails into the newly installed Outlook; I can't seem to find where they're located on my C drive.

Thanks!
Richard

you could try a system restore from a restore point prior to SP1 install--then--if that works....turn off windows updates

FWIW, there were many horror stories about installing SP1 via WindowsUpdate or via the standalone EXE ( Google ), way back when...

I sat on the upgrade for a couple of weeks before it was publicly released. I had some time at the end of February to do it, and when it looked like it was installed, the update rebooted the PC in order to complete it, but never got me back to the desktop (nevermind the details, as this is Gruntled's thread).

Each story seems to be unique. Have not seen any mention of legal or illegal copies being involved.

Richard,
Welcome to SevenForums.

SP1 did NOT cause your problems.

Always keep your computer up to date.

First and foremost, run a full MalwareBytes scan on your computer (link in my sig).

Second, run the System File Checker.
SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

Richard,

Did you make a typo or do you truly only have 1 GB of memory?

If you only have one GB, then there is a big, big problem.

Immediately increase your memory to 2GB as a bare, bare, bare minimum. You should increase to at least 4GB.

Your Outlook Data File should be under Libraries>Documents>Outlook Files.

Thanks for the helpful responses. I did run the malware program suggested, and it found and quarantined one baddie. A Windows update then installed itself, and my old configuration (desktop, Outlook data, etc.) has all been restored. I have no idea why, but I'm a happy camper.
BTW, I have 4 GB of RAM, not one.
Cheers!

Glad to hear that all is well.

Thanks for letting me know how much ram you have. I was a little worried when I saw a 1 in your system specs. When you have an opportunity, updating the amount of ram will help avoid misconceptions.

thanks, karl