Settings that I have on my computer are lost once I shut down. Everytime I start up the computer again, it goes back to default mode. This started happening yesterday, after the computer froze and I couldn't do anything to get it up and running again. I held down the off button and when I turned it back on, all my settings had disappeared. An error came up at login saying that the Temporary Files couldn't be located? Some of the things I have noticed are, Firefox: Extensions, themes, bookmarks, history, options etc all gone. I have found that the bookmarks are still stored on the computer but even if I put them back on, the y disappear after shutting down. MSN: Fonts, background, display images and other settings disappear. Control Panel: Settings for keyboard, language, disappear. Desktop: Wallpaper, several icons, screensaver, and toolbar settings, disappear. Folders: The folder I set as being the target for My Documents is no longer the target after shut down. It goes back to the default for My Documents. Windows Media Player: Songs have to be added everytime the computer is restarted. Settings also have to be done again, as if I have just downloaded the program. These are just the ones I have noticed so far since I use them more frequently. But the problem I am having is that the computer no longer stores in the memory all these settings. It is causing me a great problem. Can anyone please help to fix this up? Thanks.

All of those settings are stored in your profile folder, which is usually located in C:\documents and settings\<your username>. Temporary files are also located there. If Windows can't find the location of temporary files for your account, it's a pretty good guess that your profile folder is corrupted/moved/damaged. Try running chkdsk. >>An error came up at login saying that the Temporary Files couldn't be located? What was the complete and exact wording of this error message?

Error message 1: Windows cannot load the locally stored profile. Possible causes of this error include insufficient security rights or a corrupt local profile. If this problem persists, contact your network administrator. DETAIL - Error performing inpage operation Error Message 2: Windows cannot find the local profile and is logging you on with a temporary profile. Changes you make to this profile will be lost when you log off.

Thanks for posting that additional information. Suspicion confirmed pretty much: for some reason, Windows cannot read your profile. As previously suggested, run chkdsk. If that doesn't fix the problem, try renaming the profile folder of the affected account. You will have to do this either when logged in as another user or when booted to an alternate operating system (XP's repair console, e.g.).

I ran chkdsk and everything is working now. Thank you so much for helping, jimminy. It's made my day. :D - Orin

Excellent Jimminy, your help was good for me too. Thanks