Computer not opening user account

Alright, so when I turned on my computer it told me that the user profile was corrupt and that it would log me in using a temp account. I restarted and the same thing happened.

So, everything was set to default like when you first install XP, however the things that were in my C:\ folder survived... somewhat (firefox forgot my favorites and more and Steam forgot its setting, though it saved my account info and logged me in automatically. [what])

I tried running Recuva but it just showed me the things deleted through the Recycle Bin. I KNOW that all my files and folders are still intact somewhere, but I don't know how to access them.

PS I'm using XP, if that's any help.

This post has been edited by Dracon on Sep 12 2009, 01:00 PM

C:\Documents and Settings\<old username>

Oh cool, I found my files. Thanks!

Now, do you know how to restore my account? I hate being brought to a default desktop and having to browse to all my old stuff.

-create a new account if you haven't already
-login as administrator
-enable hidden and protected files (tools->folder options->check: Show hidden files and folders/uncheck: Hide protected operating system files)
-copy and overwrite all files from your old profile to your new profile (there are 3 files you shouldn't copy, they all start with "Nt")
-login to your new account
-enjoy (you might have to reconfigure a few things)

That worked great. Thanks Char!