Good day to all.

I have a custom built p.c., running Windows XP,2 GB RAM.
I had stored in my My Documents folder, lots of files,information in My Picutres, My Music, My Recieved Files etc. Each folder was filled with all my respective files in them.
Apart from that, I have MS Office, Windows live messenger downloaded, etc.
I have recently connected a wireless router,Linksys, and it is password protected.

I left home yesterday with the p.c. off, came back home to find Windows XP on, but all my documents missing, all my pictures,music,recieved files gone. Windows Live messenger was also gone.

When i clicked on Internet explorer, it gave me the start up page, like if i was using it for the first time. However some programs were still there, like Office.

Q1 - What could cause all the files to just disappear?
Q2- How, if possible, can I RECOVER them?
Click the start menu, and check to see that you are logged into the proper account.humar is pointing you to right directions......usually when a new user account is created, IE will FORCE you to select few settings. I don't think you have lost anything, you just have to look at the proper location on your computer OR login to your original account.

you can find all the user account file in the following path:

C:\Documents and Settings\youraccount\My Documents

Hope this helps

CheersHey Humar and Rookie,

Thanks for the reply. But the thing is that, i am the only user, single user, so i just use XP as is, I don't have a username and password to log into, when XP is BOOTED up.
IE and WMP when clicked on were like if i was using it for the first time. But the funny thing is that some additional programmes that were loaded were still there, eg Snagit,Regcure, Norton IS etc. But then some were not there at all, eg Windows live Messenger, and my printer driver. And then, all files from My Pictures,My Music, My Documents have disappeared, or have been wiped.

What else could be a cause/reason for this to occur just so?
Could some sort of a virus do this ?
And how else can i recover anything, if possible ?

Would appreciate any responses/any ideas/suggestions
Thanks guys
I know you said you are the only user but you could maybe be logged on as a guest.  When you click on start does it have your name at the top of the menu?  Also double check to see if there are any other users by going to Start > Control Panel > User Accounts.   Also, try searching for one of the files that you can't find.  Just think of a filename or song that you know you had on there and type it into the search window (Start > Search > All Files and Folders).  You might have ALREADY done this but this is all I can think of for now.  Good luck.