Before I Put An Axe Through My Laptop

[wolf63]

I have a Lenovo laptop with Either an 8 or 8.1 OS. I got it around Xmas so it is still new.

When I put it on this morning it took ages due some Windows update.

It now seems to have lost all my music, documents, pictures etc. Programmes that I had installed have vanished.

I did a search and I think that most of the files are still saved - just not sure where.

Can anybody explain to me, in small words, why this happened and where stuff is likely to be.

I am now in a foul mood so will wait until I am happy and smiley again before trying it.

Thanks for allowing me to moan.

[sandyRoe]

I'm sure there'll be somebody along soon who knows how to set things right.

[hc4361]

Have you rebooted since the update?

[RATTER15]

I dont use windows 8 so I wont advise you on the subject, however, all is not lost, you say you can find your files with a search, so you will be able to locate your folder and cut and past it back to where ever you want to put it.

Very simple task I'm sure!

[wolf63]

Ratter, Sandy and HC - I have it all backed up so won't loose anything, but why would it go all weird like this? It will takes ages to sort.

I am off for a nap with Frankie an Merlin - we will be back

[hc4361]

Have you rebooted it since this update?

[Gavmacp]

My friend always says picnic (person in chair not in computer). I have a reasonable mind and can with time problem solve except when it comes to computers. I particularly like terms such as 'user friendly', my a**e!!

[wolf63]

It is off just now so, hopefully, boot up working when I go downstairs.

Gavmacp - computers are fantastic machines but they are, to me, very mysterious and scary.

Will get back with outcome later

[Gavmacp]

The most recent issue I have had is downloading an update from a legitimate site. You download as requested then your computer detects a virus and cancels download!

[Gavmacp]

Could of been but don't think so.

[ToraToraTora]

if you can find the files with a search you can find the location of them and when you know that the penny may drop. Sounds to mr like your short cuts no longer point tothe right place. Hard to say without seeing the machine but take some time to find a known file using eindows explorer then understandthe structure (right click - properties to find a the file path) good luck.

[wolf63]

Methyl has the right answer.

It had not loaded all my user info. I am the only user (apart from my cats who are writing a book) and it gets confusing (confusing for me anyway).

I liked Windows 7 - I get a bit confused with all the 'amazing' programmes that Lenovo have been kind enough to leave for me on the laptop.

Navigating the document library can sometimes lead to me getting lost.

Anybody have any idea how to switch off the touchpad? I touch-type and use a mouse - the pad just gets in the way.

[Buenchico]

>>>Anybody have any idea how to switch off the touchpad

We'd need to know the exact model to give you a definite answer but there are two general ways of doing so. (Hopefully one of them will apply in your case).

1. Some laptops simply have a button near to the touchpad (usually immediately above it) that toggles it on and off.

2. Others use an 'Fn' key combination:
Look for the Fn key on your keyboard and note its colour. Then look for symbols, in the same colour, elsewhere on your keyboard (but probably mainly on the 'F' keys across the top). You're seeking one with a picture of a trackpad (possibly with a line through it or 'No Entry sign' next to it) on it.

Examples:
http://img.aws.ehowcdn.com/640/cme/photography.prod.demandstudios.com/193605ba-e264-41bd-85e0-028d50bbd023.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zp2cxePOjo/UuGPsJIjrxI/AAAAAAAAIiU/SpwQvTF6EE4/s1600/20140123_153316.jpg

Pressing that key and Fn at the same time will toggle your touchpad off and on.

[bhg481]

I don't know about Windows 8 but on Windows 7 you can go via Control Panel > Mouse > Device settings tab and enable/disable.

[wolf63]

fender - thanks for the link. My Libraries are now working, it's me that is too stupid to work out the best way to file my documents so that I can actually find them the first time.

Chris - I tried the 'fn' key the other day and ended up hitting the aeroplane mode. Have now hit it with another button (F9 I think) and it seems to have worked. I even tried looking up the instructions yesterday. My Laptop is a "Lenovo G510 15.6-inch" - nothing too fancy but it seems okay.

bhg - went off and tried that but gave up when it wanted to un-install my mouse.

TTT - thanks, I initially thought that I had done something stupid with the shortcuts, but nah! This thing makes my MacBook look simple.

Tomorrow I work in the afternoon in an Oxfam shop. My PC in the office works on a last century version of Word - I forget that with each new version of a programme there are actually improvements as well as problems. I can't remember (wasn't paying attention) as to which OS they are using.

Thanks guys

[Buenchico]

>>>Have now hit it with another button (F9 I think) and it seems to have worked. I even tried looking up the instructions yesterday

According to page 5 of the user manual, it's F6 that toggles the touchpad off and on:
http://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles_pub/lenovo_g400g500g405g505g410g510_ug_english_w8.1.pdf

[Jackdaw33]

If you download this program it makes the start-up screen for Windows 8 look like Windows 7.

[Buenchico]

You seem to have forgotten the link, Jackdaw33!

This one?
http://www.classicshell.net/