Solved Who killed desktop layout, eliminated bookmarks, documents, downloads

[ezwin]

I did not update to Win10. I started Win7 and then Firefox 2016.07.31. and found. All my desktop shortcuts have been eliminated, only the standard MS icon are shown. Task bar was moved from top to bottom. File Explorer's "Desktop" does not show the desktop I used to have one day ago. DesktopOK lost all stored layout data and its shortcut, (like all the other shortcuts I made), has been removed. The desktop picture has been changed.
In Firefox all book marks were eliminated.
Downloads folder is empty. Document folder is empty.
There is much coincidence with MS ending WIN10 free.

Who was it?

 

[Eric3742]

Win 10 have nothing to do with these, as like they are killing themselves.

Have you consider that the malware, virus, etc; are active in your computer.

Do you have Antivirus &or Internet security, which may also not working properly.

There are some free antivirus, such as
Superantispyware.com

 

[RolandJS]

Has any kind of PC-tuneup, cleaner, fixerupper, speederupper, etc. been recently run?

 

[Eric3742]

Has any kind of PC-tuneup, cleaner, fixerupper, speederupper, etc. been recently run?

I don't like these type fixes as it may create more problem than having more space.

 

[RolandJS]

Has any kind of PC-tuneup, cleaner, fixerupper, speederupper, etc. been recently run?

Sorry, I wasn't clear earlier.
What I meant to post:
ezwin, has any kind of PC-tuneup, cleaner, fixerupper, speederupper, etc. been recently run?
[What I'm implying: if ezwin, before posting in sevenforums, was talked into trying something of this nature, that utility could have led to the results mentioned in ezwin's thread here in sevenforums.]

 

[ezwin]

thanks all.
I restarted the computer today. I came up the correct way, everything I mention to be bad works again.
After this I did in order:
I checked for a hidden user who might "come back from the grave". None found.
I run Malwarebytes (free). No bad report.
I run AVG standard free: It reported it had fixed a threat, not saying what.
__
Before the bad start WIN reported having updated 2 items. I don't know what it was. It is the only "thing" I know of. I did not install any new software which attacks the system in some form*. AVG is trying to do extras beyond the virus treatment. I usually deny these offers. AVG is pretty aggressive in trying to get hold of computer, something may have slipped in.
__After the bad, then good start: AVG may have run driver update which I usually deny, but Avg may have sneeked in with this service.
___
I was told computers follow logic. I have my doubts
Unless someone has the super idea why this bad process happened I shall mark the thread SOLVED, though it was not really, it only disappeared - til next time. Anyway - I now assume it was not an MS trick to punish non-updaters.
__
* I am preparing a new thread on WIN10 stopper. May be there is a clue, considering the date when the problem appeared. I put in the stoppers about 1 month ago. ___YYY__WIN10 DisEnAble Selector___GWX_control_panel.exe, ___YYY__Win10Blocker___never10.exe. I renamed the file name front to remember what these are for.

 

[Seffrid]

I'm wondering if this happened after you installed the monthly Windows Updates - sometimes things look a little odd when the computer is restarted to complete the updates and then rebooting it again clears it back to normal.

 

[Eric3742]

Before the bad start WIN reported having updated 2 items. I don't know what it was. It is the only "thing" I know of. I did not install any new software which attacks the system in some form*.

Windows update did asked me to update, most probably after Windows 10 offer ended.
This is the first time they need my permission, as my setting is "Recommended", as never ask permission.

Later, i discovered the Windows 10 had disappeared.
So i presumed the update is to remove the Windows 10.

As your case may not be the windows update.
If you have this Windows 10 waiting to upgrade in the windows update page gone, then it is for that purpose.