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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
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.
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
Hi. I faced the same problem and cannkt seem to restart . I have not backed up any data and have years of work saved. Please advise how to recover the files.
Best
Sam
Hi Danny,
How did you manage to restart your PC . I cannot click on the windows icon to restart the pc.
Please advise.
Sam
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.
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>.
