Solved System folders & files suddenly appeared in Libraries/Documents

[Pedro38]

My sister has used windows pcs very productively for many years and currently has a 4-year old Win 7 64bit pc with 8gb ram. Her 500 Gb HDD is only 40% full.

The other week, doing something in Windows Explorer, she suddenly found that many system folders/files had appeared in her Libraries/Documents folder along with the normal folders and files you would expect to see. The listings are in the attached Word file.

There are some shortcuts which presumably can be deleted without any problem but she is concerned about other folders/files which don't appear to be shortcuts.

Any suggestions for restoring her Libraries/Document folder to the normal content will be much appreciated.

13 February. Thanks gentlemen. I should add that my sister did a System Restore to a date prior but it didn't change anything. Also, she lives 30 miles away so what you see is what she emailed me.
I tried to 'save as' the .docx to Word 2003 but it froze; however, have added my .png screen shot of the page.

Thanks in advance,
Pedro

 

[TwoCables]

I'd like to assist, but I'm using Microsoft Word 2003 and it's not able to read this. Can you take some screenshots? Use the .PNG format too for the highest quality screenshots without increasing the file size too much.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Libraries: Pictures, Videos. Music are fine?

Right click on library documents->properties. Post screenshot

 

[Pedro38]

Gentlemen,

Please see my edited original post above to which I have added a .png screenshot.

Thx, Pedro

 

[TwoCables]

Oh, I see exactly what's going on here. These are the hidden files and folders. Here's what to do:

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Type folder options and press Enter (or you may be able to just type fol and press Enter)
   • Alternatively, click the Tools menu in any folder
   • Choose "Folder options..."
3. Select the View tab at the top of the Folder Options control panel
4. Select "Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives"
5. Click OK (it's not necessary to click Apply)

This should work. If not, then we'll keep at it until we succeed.

Edit: By the way, it looks to me like she's using Windows 8. So these steps may not be precisely the same.

 

[Kaktussoft]

Gentlemen,

Please see my edited original post above to which I have added a .png screenshot.

Thx, Pedro

Please answer #3
Just press "restore default settings" there. It changes the settings so it displays "your MY DOCUMENTS" and "PUBLIC documents".

Don't know why and how.... but C:\users\here_account is in library as well in screenshot. She probably dragged and droppped it on the library(?)

 

[TwoCables]

Gentlemen,

Please see my edited original post above to which I have added a .png screenshot.

Thx, Pedro

Please answer #3
Just press "restore default settings" there. It changes the settings so it displays "your MY DOCUMENTS" and "PUBLIC documents".

Don't know why and how.... but C:\users\here_account is in library as well in screenshot. She probably dragged and droppped it on the library(?)

So that means my solution is only going to take care of some of these things.

 

[Pedro38]

Thanks again gentlemen. My sister uses Win 7 64bit (I am Win 8 Pro 64bit and you saw my screenshot). I am 30 miles away from her pc and she currently has visitors (so is busy). Hope to visit her next week when I will pursue your helpful suggestions and then be able to answer 3. I will get back to you.
Regards
Pedro

 

[TwoCables]

Oh. I've been awake too long.

 

[Pedro38]

Gentlemen,

Please see my edited original post above to which I have added a .png screenshot.

Thx, Pedro

Please answer #3
Just press "restore default settings" there. It changes the settings so it displays "your MY DOCUMENTS" and "PUBLIC documents".

Don't know why and how.... but C:\users\here_account is in library as well in screenshot. She probably dragged and droppped it on the library(?)

Thx very much Kaktussoft. You hit the nail on the head and she did indeed have C:\users\ etc. included in Documents Properties. She has applied the Restore Defaults and all is back to normal.

Much appreciated,

Pedro