...Desktop refers to a location that is not available

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dtgVA

Member
Hello all (especally Brink!),

I have gotten the following message twice over the past two months: c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable... I then would simply restart Vista (Home Premium) and all would be okay.

What would be causing this? Nothing has changed on my system. Is this indicating that something catastophic is about to happen?!

I have read the tutorial on how to restore missing folders. Fortunately I'm not at that point yet. Any insight and suggestions for preventive maintenance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David
 

My Computer

System One

Hello David (my name too!) and welcome to the forums.

My first recommendation is to repair Vista. Simply load the disk in and hit Repair. This should fix the problem....

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
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    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
dtgVA said:
Is this indicating that something catastophic is about to happen?!
Click to expand...

No mate :)

As to the cause, it looks like it's it's simply looking for an app or something that no longer exists (deleted/removed).
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    i7 3770K HT ON 4.7GHz
    Motherboard
    P8Z68 Deluxe Gen 3
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill Ripjaws X 2133mhz
    Graphics card(s)
    2x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    X-FI Forte + ATH-AD900
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x2 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
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    1920*1200 / 1920x1080
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    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
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    Corsair AX1200W
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    Lian Li PC-V1020A
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    NH-D14: 3x140mm Gelid Wing 14: Sunbeam Rheobus Extreme
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    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine Cherry MX Black
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs: Clevo Sager P170HM // 17.3 Matte 1920x1200 // i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz // Dedicated GTX 485M // 240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray // Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0
lordbob75 said:
My first recommendation is to repair Vista. Simply load the disk in and hit Repair. This should fix the problem....

~Lordbob
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply David..... um I mean Lordbob :) My laptop didn't come with any Vista disks, so I'm going to have create a Vista Boot/Recovery Disk using the method suggested in one of the tutorials in this forum. The torrent/iso file I need to download to create the boot disk is over 120mb and I'm using dialup right now, so I'll get back with you tomorrow when I have access to broadband.

Much thanks!
David
 

My Computer

System One

Oh wow that could take a while. Thanks for keeping us informed.

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
Alright! Good job David.

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
dtgVA said:
Hello all (especally Brink!),

I have gotten the following message twice over the past two months: c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable... I then would simply restart Vista (Home Premium) and all would be okay.

What would be causing this? Nothing has changed on my system. Is this indicating that something catastophic is about to happen?!

I have read the tutorial on how to restore missing folders. Fortunately I'm not at that point yet. Any insight and suggestions for preventive maintenance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David
Click to expand...
I have exactly the same problem but don't have a Vista disc, everything was already insitu. What do I need to download and from where? Help please.
 

My Computer

System One

Hi Joybells,

That is actually a recovery disc - you cannot install from it , or copy most operating files from it , or use it for a "repair" installation.

However, I recommend everyone who doesn't have the dvd should get one.

It allows a startup repair function - fixes most boot problems, access to the command prompt, access to a previously made Windows Backup, or System restore point. Most useful if you are unable to get into your operating system.

It is available for download from here as a torrent file- so you need to install a torrent client. The free utorrent is a popular choice. It is all explained on the link :

Windows Vista Recovery Disc Download — The NeoSmart Files

If your system came pre - installed, you will ( probably ) find there is a function for burning a recovery disc of some sort already on your pc.

Usually this allows you to return your pc to factory condition, i.e. as when you received it - it may allow you to save what is already on the hd while restoring. It may also contain some similar options to the Neosmart d/l.

Check your manual, or manufacturers website for recovery/restore details for your machine - often pressing F10 or F11 repeatedly while the pc is starting ( black writing on white screen) will also bring up the built in recovery options.

The first thing to try to would be System restore to a point before you had the problem ( you may not have restore points going back far enough if it's been going on a while) - you can do this from within Windows

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html

Another thing you may try is to go to Advanced Boot options, and select Last Known Good Configuration.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88009-advanced-boot-options.html

Hope it helps

SIW2
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
Many thanks -I have tried 'System Restore', C:>Properties> Repair also 'Check Disc' and nothing worked. In desperation I did a full destruct and started again from scratch - great for three days then the problem re-occured.
I really am at my wits-end as this problem is happening really often. I thought a fresh disc might solve the problem which is obviously deeply entrenched in my laptop.
I have not got a great knowledge of computers and would appreciate any comments.
 

My Computer

System One

Joybells,

When you say destruct, what do you mean?
If you have a Vista disk, here is my recommendation: Shut down, and put it in. Boot into CD, then do a clean install. DON'T do a restore or anything. Leave it as is. Yes, it will take longer to reinstall things, but do it. Take your time and do things one at a time and make sure your sys is stable. It could be a program causing this.

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
Vista was on my Laptop when I bought it and during installation of the software I was advised and did make a Recovery DVD but I don't what to do about using it so
I first tried CHQDSK then Computer>C:>Repair - no luck.

I tried System restore from a Back-up Disc I'd made but no success then I tried -

1. Tapping F8 and selecting Repair Your Computer from Advanced Boot Options - no success .
2. I then tried running System Recovery from the Hard Drive - again no success.
3. In desperation I did a 'Full Destructive Recovery' and followed this over the
next few days with re-installing all my software - No change.
4. I thought it might be an 'User' problem and created a new user which worked
for a few days only.

Once I have entered my password there is a delay of a few minutes then a beep and a minute later I have the empty screen (except for the Recycle Bin). Also the notice box -" C:\Windows\System32\Config\Systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable." This doesn't happen everytime I log-in only about twice a week, I then get in through tapping F8 and using 'Last known Good Configuration'.

Reading through your reply I think you might have the answer - I did introduce a new program 'Advanced System Care 3' by IObit. This could be the cause of all my problems. Would you advise uninstalling this program? Any Advice would be appreciated.
 

My Computer

System One

Definitely. If removing it does not solve the problem, then the program is ok. Try it and see.

~Lordbob
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P5QC
    Memory
    2x2GB
    Graphics card(s)
    NVidia GeForce 9500GT 1Gb
    Sound Card
    Mobo
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SyncMaster 206bw
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SP2514N ATA 250Gb 7200RPM Samsung [Model] 1Tb 7200RPM SATA2
    PSU
    Cooler Master Real Power Pro 750W
    Mouse
    Razer Lachesis
    Keyboard
    Razer Tarantula
    Internet Speed
    not fast enough
Hi Joybells,

As Lordbob says, it may be.

I think it includes a registry cleaner - you might find it has backups within the program it can restore.

Try restoring those, uninstall the program and see if that helps

SIW2
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Operating System
    Vista
    CPU
    Intel E8400
    Motherboard
    ASRock1333-GLAN R2.0
    Memory
    4gb DDR2 800
    Graphics card(s)
    nvidia 9500GT 1gb
  • Operating System
    win7/vista
    CPU
    intel i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    ballistix 2x8gb 3200
Thanks everyone - I've made a recovery disc but I will first look for back-ups from the registry cleaner and restore these. I must admit the first time I used the IObit cleaner I let it do a sweep and didn't check what was being 'repaired'. It looks like IObit is biting the dust. I'll let you know if the problem re-occurs after these steps.
Many thanks to you both.
 

My Computer

System One

I also have the same problem which occurred into another account.
Good thing the main admin account of the pc was not affected with the applications and software missing. But the wallpaper changed into black and the windows vista theme was also gone as if the theme was windows 2000. I also got the same error which is unavailable.

The system crashed first, and then when I login to my account the error occurred.
I hope you can help me with this matter. Some windows properties was also inaccessible such as the desktop properties and the control panel is not working properly.

I have no real knowledge about computers and the computer was pre-loaded with windows vista home basic.
 

My Computer

System One

I have been having the same problem for about a month now. If it doesn't find the config file for the desktop I just keep rebooting until it finds it, this might take 2 or 3 reboots.

Also, when I use Internet Explorer it often can't find my favourites but I usually just carry on without them.

I haven't loaded any software from IObit or any other type of pc cleaning/tuning software. Mine is a fairly new install of Vista Home Premium 32bit on a new Dell M1530.

The suggestions above all look iffy to me because the problem for me is intermittent and therefore unlikely to be a corrupt file or registry, unless of course it could fix itself on reboot.

Any ideas please ?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

I am having the same exact problem since about 1 week. Nothig has worked so far. I do not have a Recovery CD since this is a pre installed Vista system. I do not want to do a full recovery since I have many applications already installed which I would hate to install again. I have backed up most of my files and directories but still I would need several hours to do a full recovery. What I have been doing is trying not to shutdown my laptop by using the Hibernate state. Also I have noticed that Windows Update has an error and will not work at all. Any recomendation to redirect the startup of the Desktop folder ?. I have ran several Antivirus and Registry Fix Programs but nothing seems to keep the system stable again. A friend told me I should try upgrade to Windows 7 ??? Thanks for your help !!!! Just restoring to a previous date seems to work, or after rebooting several time and keep your fingers crossed...
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

Hi Guys,
The only way I have found to solve this issue is to create another User with Admin attributes, the system automatically creates a new profile and everything looks almost the same (some minor changes in the tool bar); after that you can copy your Icons from Desktop to Desktop Folder..... It seems to work at last...
Hope this helps...

MG
 

My Computer

System One

I got this error message after a windows update:

c:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\desktop

i found that all my settings and data had been changed to default the links to practically everything had a message which read something like:

C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop refers to a location that is unavailable. It could be on a hard drive on this computer or on a network. Check to to make sure the disk is properly inserted.

I looked around found no solution so i decided to go to the area it reported a problem:

C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\Desktop nothing was in there

so i went in my user then seen i had 2 Desktop Folders 1 blank 1 with my desktop items.

i deleted the blank 1 and in C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile i deleted the desktop 1 there.

back in user folder i right clicked on the desktop folder and copy

Paste the folder into C:\windows\system32\config\systemprofile\ once it has copied a message will say copy desktop.ini file the top 1 being older and other newer make sure you overwrite this to the older 1.

Reboot and this problem should be fixed.

if you feel you dont want to delete anything then cut and paste in to a folder anywhere but when fixed remove as not needed i hope this helps you all.

no need to uninstall and do any restoring or repair windows stuff
 

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