screwed up directory tree

[robertt]

I am hoping that my previous explanation was poorly stated and will try again.
I have Vista Home Premium. 3Gb E2180 dual core processor. The computer has become increasingly sluggish. I am wondering if a situation in my directory tree indicates a possible cause.
My top folder is desktop with subfolders computer, control panel, network, public, valued customer, and all items on my actual desktop.
Under Valued customer is another desktop folder with only items on desktop screen listed again.
Under computer I have C:>users> Valued Customer (Having the same folders as the first valued customer, including descktop with only descktop screen items).

These do not appear to be multiple copies of folders. While the address bar reflects each folder or file according to its location in the directory, the pathnname in the properties window remains the same c:/user/valued customer/desktop etc.
IT people I have described this to, look at me as though I am describing a UFO landing, the common answer has been"I don't know how that could happen, but it could affect performance.
If anyone has an idea about effects on performance and possible solutions, I would appreciate it. Even a note indicating that I am stuck with what I've managed to create.

 

[Cytherian]

Was it a slow gradual increase of sluggishness or rather abrupt?

What periodic maintenance do you perform on your computer? Do you clear it of temporary files and defragment on a regular basis? Do you have an up-to-date good reputation anti-virus program installed? If you think it's possible that you've got a virus infection, have you tried running an anti-malware program, like MalwareBytes?

 

[robertt]

Cyntherian,
Thank you for responding. My original message was accidentally sent before I finished and I just posted the edit. I do have Symantic up to date and also occasionaly run spybot. My performance problems revolve around time in editing and saving in photoshop elements and lengthy load times for some internet sites. Do you think the weird directory tree is a sign of a virus?

 

[Cytherian]

Typically, when you view Windows Explorer from the Desktop node downward, you should see your user name first in the list. This is because you're logged in and your personal files are most commonly accessed. I'll attach an example below.

"Valued Customer" may be the default user that was created by your retailer. If this wasn't the case and you're not recognizing it, then it's suspect. Also, if it's not appearing first under the Desktop node, I'd feel uneasy about it.

Ideally, you should customize your computer to suit your personal needs. If I were you, I'd go into the User Accounts control panel and create a new user of type "Administrator", named as you wish it (e.g. Robert). Set the password on it. Next, take your personal folders (documents, pictures, videos, music, etc) and move them to the Public folder under "Public Downloads". This way when you log on as the new user, you can copy your files to your own sub-tree. Then, delete the old "Valued Customer". Lastly, create another Administrator user as a backup (it's always good to have more than one, just in case your user profile gets compromised somehow).

One last thing... if you installed any programs that were not permitted for "everyone", just your own user login, they may not work for the new user. You can uninstall and re-install them though.

 

[robertt]

Cytherian,
Thank you. I will try this and see if things improve.

 

[Cytherian]

OK, let us know how it works out. Good luck!