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Major Windows/Lightroom problem
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Jan 10, 2020 10:19:13   #
windshoppe Loc: Arizona
 
Thank you. Didn't know that.

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Jan 10, 2020 10:50:17   #
windshoppe Loc: Arizona
 
Gene51 wrote:
So the problem is neither with Windows nor Lightroom. Hmm . . .

Can you describe what your computer is doing? Have you run a malware identification/removal tool? I suggest you run an online scan using Malwarebytes or install Avast! Both have free versions. If that fails you might need someone who can reverse-hack a malware attack, but you first need to identify what is in your computer. A "scammer attack" is meaningless to anyone trying to help you. It's like going to the auto mechanic and
telling him that the car is making a funny noise. A lot more information is necessary, otherwise you will get many well-meaning but totally misleading information on what steps to take which could make your problems worse.

Microsoft will only go so far in ameliorating a virus attack. There are better and more efficient alternatives.
So the problem is neither with Windows nor Lightro... (show quote)


OK. So here's my tale of woe. While working on the computer a blue screen appeared with the message that Microsoft believed that my Windows license had been used to install Windows on more than one computer and I needed to call a number to resolve the issue or my computer would be shut down. Knowing it to be a scam I tried to close the window, but the computer was frozen so I shut it down manually. When I rebooted it almost everything on the desktop had disappeared and the Windows logo was there. It looked almost like a clean install. After two days of searching I've discovered that almost everything is intact, although in different places and configurations than originally. The C drive contents are there and everything else including 40,000+ photos are on external redundant drives. When I open any program it's as if opening it for the first time. No contents, no settings, etc. As an example, I spent several hours importing photos into Lightroom (perhaps 1000), as while the original folder names that had been used to organize the collection were still there, they contained no photos. They imported fine into the original folders. At a point I shut the computer down and when I rebooted it those photos that I had imported had once again disappeared and it was like opening LR for the first time, although, once again the folder names are correct. Same thing with a couple of other programs that I had imported data into - the data also had disappeared. Windows appears to be operating correctly, but settings such as "sleep" and power save don't work. I'm thinking at this point that the solution might be to do a Windows install that would retain data and apps. I'm certainly open to suggestions. Waiting for a return call from Microsoft.

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Jan 10, 2020 10:51:33   #
maxmphoto1 Loc: Aloha, Or
 
800-642-7676

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Jan 10, 2020 12:06:40   #
TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
Go to Microsoft.com and find support and find the technical support chat option. It may depend on the time of day, but I've had success on multiple issues on multiple computers. You may need to have a registered 'MSN' account, something easy to do at the same Microsoft site.


Right on!

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Jan 10, 2020 12:27:51   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
windshoppe wrote:
OK. So here's my tale of woe. While working on the computer a blue screen appeared with the message that Microsoft believed that my Windows license had been used to install Windows on more than one computer and I needed to call a number to resolve the issue or my computer would be shut down. Knowing it to be a scam I tried to close the window, but the computer was frozen so I shut it down manually. When I rebooted it almost everything on the desktop had disappeared and the Windows logo was there. It looked almost like a clean install. After two days of searching I've discovered that almost everything is intact, although in different places and configurations than originally. The C drive contents are there and everything else including 40,000+ photos are on external redundant drives. When I open any program it's as if opening it for the first time. No contents, no settings, etc. As an example, I spent several hours importing photos into Lightroom (perhaps 1000), as while the original folder names that had been used to organize the collection were still there, they contained no photos. They imported fine into the original folders. At a point I shut the computer down and when I rebooted it those photos that I had imported had once again disappeared and it was like opening LR for the first time, although, once again the folder names are correct. Same thing with a couple of other programs that I had imported data into - the data also had disappeared. Windows appears to be operating correctly, but settings such as "sleep" and power save don't work. I'm thinking at this point that the solution might be to do a Windows install that would retain data and apps. I'm certainly open to suggestions. Waiting for a return call from Microsoft.
OK. So here's my tale of woe. While working on t... (show quote)


Do you have a backup of your entire OS drive via specific software?
Mark

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Jan 10, 2020 15:43:18   #
windshoppe Loc: Arizona
 
I don’t have a mirror backup, but do have all files backed up. Microsoft is working on the problem as we speak. Will take a few hours according to tech. Thanks for your help.

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Jan 10, 2020 16:00:55   #
markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ
 
windshoppe wrote:
I don’t have a mirror backup, but do have all files backed up. Microsoft is working on the problem as we speak. Will take a few hours according to tech. Thanks for your help.


At least your files are backed up. After this "puzzle" get solved,you might want to consider a backup of your OS Drive. I use Acronis and have successfully recovered my C drive a few times. There is other software that can accomplish the same.
Microsoft techs are very good. I've had occasions getting help from them.
Good luck,
Mark

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Jan 11, 2020 12:23:54   #
therwol Loc: USA
 
windshoppe wrote:
OK. So here's my tale of woe. While working on the computer a blue screen appeared with the message that Microsoft believed that my Windows license had been used to install Windows on more than one computer and I needed to call a number to resolve the issue or my computer would be shut down. Knowing it to be a scam I tried to close the window, but the computer was frozen so I shut it down manually. When I rebooted it almost everything on the desktop had disappeared and the Windows logo was there. It looked almost like a clean install. After two days of searching I've discovered that almost everything is intact, although in different places and configurations than originally. The C drive contents are there and everything else including 40,000+ photos are on external redundant drives. When I open any program it's as if opening it for the first time. No contents, no settings, etc. As an example, I spent several hours importing photos into Lightroom (perhaps 1000), as while the original folder names that had been used to organize the collection were still there, they contained no photos. They imported fine into the original folders. At a point I shut the computer down and when I rebooted it those photos that I had imported had once again disappeared and it was like opening LR for the first time, although, once again the folder names are correct. Same thing with a couple of other programs that I had imported data into - the data also had disappeared. Windows appears to be operating correctly, but settings such as "sleep" and power save don't work. I'm thinking at this point that the solution might be to do a Windows install that would retain data and apps. I'm certainly open to suggestions. Waiting for a return call from Microsoft.
OK. So here's my tale of woe. While working on t... (show quote)


I believe you're screwed. What did Microsoft say? It's good that you got everything off of the computer. I believe you're now looking at having to reinstall Windows, which means gathering drivers and reinstalling your software. It really pays to make backups with whatever software you choose, Acronis, Macrium etc.

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