Desktop folder deleted

Ok... well we may be able to get them back.

Firstly, I'm going to go ahead and assume that they are NOT free softwares, and can't just be redownloaded or whatever, hence the need for recovery.

The first and most important rule is: Do NOT use the computer. Or use it as little as possible. Specifically, do not save anything to the drive that had the files on. That space has now been earmarked for overwriting, and every write to the drive decreases the chance of a successful recovery.

As Recuva and Ubuntu hasn't worked for you, (which is what I would recommend) I'm going to ask for some help from some other senior members, I'm not giving up on you. It's just I don't really use recovery software much, as I take regular backups, so don't have much knowledge in this area.

Wait if I did a system recovery doesn't that mean it has already been overwritten?

If you did a System Restore then there is a good chance they are still there somewhere. A System Image Recovery (completely different) it's probably gone. Having said that, if your obviously not that bothered about getting them back, and are willing to find CD's etc, so we'll move on.

On the subject of system corruption: Try this
Open an elevated Command Prompt (Right Click>Run as Administrator)
Type the following:

Code:

SFC /scannow

Do you have SP1 installed?

If not then I would seriously suggest you try a repair install: Repair Install

If you do have SP1 installed, and don't have a system image to fall back on, then yeah, looks like you'll have to reinstall I'm afraid.

Just change the permission:

Go to C:\Users\Username

Right Click Desktop>Properties
Go to Security Tab and click Advanced
Highlight Your Username then click Change Permissions.
Highlight your Username again and click Edit
Find Delete, and check the "Deny" Box DO NOT Deny "Delete subfolders and files" just the one that says "Delete" by itself.
Repeat for Administrators (necessary because otherwise you can get around it, all be it with a UAC prompt)
Sorted.