Installing Service Pack 1 ruined everything

Krackerjax · 20 Mar 2013

So as you may all know, Windows 7 officially started to have Service Pack 1 start to automatically install on March 19. So it just installed for me last night (without my permission)... and It screwed me good and hard. I have lost pretty much every single preference on my computer.

Browser bookmarks, teamspeak bookmarks/preferences, wallpaper, every single desktop icon that isn't a shortcut to a game.

And, worst of all, every single file/folder I had on my desktop. Gone. Just gone. I was a lazy guy and my desktop was COVERED in files. Over 100GB I would wager.

Is there any way to reset any of this? Are the desktop files stored anywhere? Is Service Pack 1 supposed to do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

UsernameIssues · 21 Mar 2013

I could just subscribe to this thread then sit back and see what the comments are (and maybe a solution). But instead, I'll share that you are not alone. The things that I see disappear from the desktop are not related to installing SP1, but I've seen items go away many times. Sometimes it is 4 or 5 shortcuts, other times it is more like 20.

I've never lost folders/files (that I know of), but shortcuts disappear whenever they feel like it. At first, I thought that it was something that I was doing; but I've seen the same thing happen to W7 computers of my co-workers. I put the shortcuts back for them and the shortcuts go away again. I've just stopped trying to win. (All of them had SP1 installed months ago.)

One thing that I would do, look at your desktop via the Windows (file) Explorer [with stuff unhidden]. That will make sure that the missing items did not just get placed somewhere off screen.

Hidden Files and Folders - Show or Hide

NoelDP · 21 Mar 2013

Just so we get a good look at what may have happened, please follow these instructions and post the data....

Windows Update Posting Instructions
and
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Posting Instructions
(while you may not have seen BSOD's, the rest of the data will almost certainly help us see what happened)

Jo6Pak · 21 Mar 2013

Krackerjax said:

So it just installed for me last night (without my permission)...

could you please clarify 'without my permission'?

how are/were your update preferences set? i currently have updates disabled (never check for updates), until i see how this installation pans out for others. am i still going to get this whether i want it or not?

THANKS!

EDIT: any harm in disabling this service altogether?

NoelDP · 21 Mar 2013

Service Pack one was released back in Feb 2011 - I think it's been out long enough :)
There are VERY few problems with it unless there are pre-existing problems with the installation.

Jo6Pak · 21 Mar 2013

NoelDP said:

Service Pack one was released back in Feb 2011 - I think it's been out long enough :)
There are VERY few problems with it unless there are pre-existing problems with the installation.

perhaps, but i don't like the idea of being forced to install something i may or may not want...

Britton30 · 21 Mar 2013

Krackerjax you can try a System Restore To before SP1 was installed. It wouldn't install without a reboot.

@Jo6Pak Disabling Updates will rob you of important and Critical Updates that keep the system secure and working well. I have mine set to check and let me decide whether to download and install. You should install SP1. Nothing is forced on you.

I've not had any issues with files/folders/shortcuts going missing.

Jo6Pak · 21 Mar 2013

Britton30 said:

I have mine set to check and let me decide whether to download and install.

that is how i had mine set until tuesday when it was announced they were going to push this to all users. until i know how the OP had his set (and received it anyway), it will remain turned off.

i can always get any updates that i missed in the meantime when i turn it back on.

Layback Bear · 21 Mar 2013

Krackerjax Just follow the instructions that Noel gave in post #3.

That will be the starting point for the good folks here to help you.

Britton30 · 21 Mar 2013

Jo6Pak said:

Britton30 said:

I have mine set to check and let me decide whether to download and install.

that is how i had mine set until tuesday when it was announced they were going to push this to all users. until i know how the OP had his set (and received it anyway), it will remain turned off.

i can always get any updates that i missed in the meantime when i turn it back on.

So why don't you already have SP1, it is an old update now. you are missing about 101 after that.

I suspect the OP did something wrong, it can't be "forced" on any PC, being pushed simply means it will download, but you still have the option not to install an update.

EDIT: I stand corrected maybe.
Windows 7 SP1 to start rolling out on Windows Update