OT: Help! Computer lost data, no apparent reason

[northridgedave]

Had a very cataclysmic occurrance here last A.M.

This happened to my utility and internet computer, not my ProTools rig.

Went to sleep at 2:30 and all was well with the computer. Woke up at 8:30am to a big mess.

OutlookExpress and InternetExplorer were reset to defaults. All saved emails (5 years worth) and address book were completely blanked.

IE was also blank, all saved favorites were gone.

The desktop was reset to win2000 default and all files on the desktop were gone except for 'my docs' 'my computer' 'my network' places and 'recycle bin' (which was empty).

Although no data files seemed to be missing from the C: drive, all of the program names were newly alphabetized and some programs were missing.

The Start bar was culled of four or five items that I use a lot and Opera (my alt internet portal) was erased completely but the Opera file folder was left with the 'readme' and 'product license agreement' intact.

Also my pop-up burner was gone from toolbar showing running programs and was erased from the program list although it shows up in the add/remove list..

I ran Norton Anti-virus and the computer was clean although there were 20 files that were considered threats and Norton failed to delete them on my command.

This is a P-4
win2000pro
Norton Antivirus (up to date and scanned three days before)
SpyWare Blaster and Spybot-Search and Destroy run daily.
Zone Alarm up and running.
Computer and router connected to cable modem are always on

Any ideas?
Do you think this stuff could be hidden somewhere?
I'm pretty stymied.

Any help or ideas very appreciated.

David

[da BaSsTaRd!]

sounds like you logged in as a new user and created a new profile. log out and log back on as your usual self.

[northridgedave]

Thanks for your reply.
I was the only user. Log in wasn't the issue.
Any thoughts on whether the files may have been hidden and/or not deleted? Appreciate any input.
David

[northridgedave]

Well I feel like a dunce. When I finally chilled out enough to read your response and follow your instruction I found that you were absolutely correct.

I think that we had an overnight power surge, and when this computer cycled back on it went to the default 'Administrator'.

Thanks so much!!

I'm very much in your debt.
David

[da BaSsTaRd!]

I'm very much in your debt.

i'm simply very much in debt.

glad you got your problem straightened out.