I have Windows 7 on an HP laptop, 64 bit.  After owning it for a couple of years, I finally just yesterday decided to set a Windows password.  After doing so, the computer restarted, and a completely different desktop CONFIGURATION appeared.  My desktop shortcuts are still there, but re-arranged.  The task bar is now blank and cannot be reconfigured.  It can't find a printer.  The DVD player malfunctions.  When I click on Outlook, I get a new user set up screen.  When I try to click on some files, I get a WINDOW that says Explorer is not running.  I have tried to re-start hoping to get a different user or something, but the same desktop keeps coming back.  Upon start up I am NEVER asked for a password.  I have tried a previous restore point, but that doesn't appear to do anything.  I have a feeling my old 'setup' is still in there somewhere and I just want to get back to it.  Can someone GIVE me some ideas to try?  Thank you. What did you set a password for?I'm thinking you ACTUALLY happened to create another User account...this would explain all the settings dissappearing...
Is there more than one account at login ? ?Yeah, sounds like you created a new account and are signing into that for the first time, so things will be set to default settings again.  Under user account settings is there an option to enable the owner account again?  maybe it is just checked off.You can start in Safe mode and see all user accounts by name. Even the built-in administrator.