Latest security update ruined folders within %APPDATA% and made browser data inaccessible/deleted.

Question

I had installed an update on 2/13 then left my computer on overnight until the afternoon on the 14th. After my pc restarted, I noticed all the apps on my taskbar were broken, even though when I had looked for the executable for them they launched fine. I decided to take a deeper look and saw that my roamingappdata folder had been wiped [Maybe even localappdata, but I didn't look in there at the time]. Using a restore point before I had installed the update seemed to have fixed everything, except for the fact that I've lost all of my browser data and save passwords for every browser.

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you TaoLi for responding.

I checked my C:\ drive and there doesn't seem to be a Windows.old folder, and there isn't a temp user folder in C:\Users.

I'd also like to add, according to Google, my computer and/or browser isn't being recognized as the same one from before. I believe that this is the reason why my browsers are unable to decrypt and access it's old information. Is there any way to revert this, or even an explanation for why this happened?

Answer 2

Hello,

When Windows updates, it sometimes backs up account profiles.

Please check under C:\ to see if there is a Windows.old folder, and then look inside to see if there is a backup of the %APPDATA% folder.

Also, check under C:\Users to see if a temporary account has been created. If so, look inside that account to see if there is a backup of the %APPDATA% folder.

Answer 3

It seems that the update you installed may have caused issues with your application data, particularly in the %APPDATA% folders. Losing browser data and saved passwords can be frustrating, especially if they were not backed up. Here are a few suggestions that might help:

1. Check for Backups: If you have any backup solutions in place (like Windows File History or third-party backup software), check if you can restore your browser data from there.
2. Browser Sync: If you were using browser sync features (like Chrome Sync or Firefox Sync), you might be able to recover your passwords and bookmarks by signing back into your browser account.
3. Data Recovery Tools: Consider using data recovery software to scan your hard drive for deleted files. Some tools can recover files that were lost after an update.
4. Restore Points: Since you mentioned that a restore point fixed some issues, ensure that you regularly create restore points, especially before installing updates, to help recover from future problems.
5. Contact Support: If the problem persists or you need further assistance, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for help regarding the update issues.

Unfortunately, if the data was not backed up and is not recoverable through the above methods, it may be permanently lost.

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References:

• Restoring the system