windows 10 - desktop unavailable after updates

Anonymous
2018-05-15T08:51:05+00:00

Hi

Trying to start my pc and get this message:-

Location is not available

C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop is unavailable. If this location is on this PC, make sure that the device or drive is connected or the disc is inserted, then try again. If the location is on a network, make sure that you're connected to the network or internet, then try again. If the location still can not be found, it might have been moved or deleted.

Can someone please advise how to fix

Thanks

DannyDay1

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
DaveM121 934.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2018-05-15T08:53:10+00:00

Hi Danny, can you get into Windows File Explorer?

If so:, open Windows File Explorer

On the View Ribbon, check the box marked 'Hidden Items'

C:\users\Default\

Right click and copy the Desktop folder contained in the Default Folder

Navigate to: C:\Windows\system32\config\systemprofile

Right click and Paste the Desktop folder into the systemprofile folder

Restart (not shut sown) your PC

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2018-05-23T16:44:39+00:00

Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

47 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-01-09T20:53:26+00:00

    Update.. well. I just dodge a bullet there. 

    I did a last shut down of my pc. So that i can rollback the first version of windows in this PC. Then waiting half an hour to boot to the user sign in and signed back. My desktop was just magically came back. I just didnt know what happened i just shutdown and power up my PC. I didnt do anything on those cmd's and config's. I tried testing all my drivers and it all works fine. my datas are still intact in my drive .  . . 

    But still Thanks anyway. .

    I'll just have to back up all my data.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-01-09T20:21:34+00:00

    Hi pcr. I understand your steps . But when i click task manager nothing happens tried clicking it many times still none. I tried the 2nd option and i managed to copy the default in the users. But my problem is that when i enter in system32/config and allow permission. It doesnt let me enter. 3rd option is go into system32/cmd and still can't let me enter the command prompt. Then i go to the folders properties - security so that i can allow myself to grant full control of it but It says.

    "Can't open access control editor the device is not ready"

    Is there any other options for this?? 

    If not .. .. Welllll i have no choice and it sucks to say that i need to use the shift-restart option. :((((((

    I'll just have to say goodbye of my saved works

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-01-09T07:04:35+00:00

    If you cannot do a Shift+Restart (at any Power icon, even on the Sign-in screen) to get to the built-in Recovery Environment, then you must use the one on external media...

    (1) The first step is to make a Win 10 Installation USB drive here...

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    Download Windows 10 -  Currently this is version 1809

    Click the "Download tool now" button to get MediaCreationTool1809.exe. Click that .exe, & follow the instructions under "Using the tool to create installation media..." in the above article. The important thing is to select the Architecture (64-bit/x64 or 32-bit/x86) & Language of the computer on which it will be used. The Edition to select is "Windows 10" (unless you are a Chinaman). That will deliver both Pro & Home editions (which is sorted out during/after the install).

    (2) Next, boot to the Win 10 Installation USB drive from the BIOS Boot menu screen...

    Plug it in. Turn on or reboot the computer. At the manufacturer's logo screen, press & hold the key that gets to the BIOS Boot menu, & select the USB drive from the menu.

    https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutorials/23010-get-access-bios-settings-boot-menu-f-keys-hotkeys-system-manufacturer-oem.html

    Get access to BIOS settings & Boot Menu: F-keys/Hotkeys by System Manufacturer (OEM)

    Note: That site is informative, but I know nothing (good or bad) about any downloads or links there.

    (3) The next step is to be sure you have good backups of your user files & downloads...

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    Rescue Files when Windows won't start

    After booting the Win 10 Installation USB drive, at the 2nd screen, select Repair your computer (instead of to install). Also, plug in external storage. Click "Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt". Then enter Notepad at the Command Prompt. In its File menu, select Open. It gives you a mini-File Explorer. Set Notepad to display all file types with its requestor at bottom right...

    Copy files to external storage just as you would in File Explorer. It may be slow, & you shouldn't try to open any files while doing it. Just copy/paste them from HDD to USB. The files you want are likely at C:\Windows\Users<Your username>.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments