Windows 10 PC with a BIG problem

[Lady Di]

I have a PC (not laptop) running Windows 10

I'm very "untechnical" but have somehow ended up with a problem - maybe after an update or power outage at the wrong time.

Only Icons showing are Firefox, Chrome, & Edge, plus Adobe9, Noiseware & Recycle Bin.

All Microsoft (Word, Games, Exel etc) missing as are all other prog's like Photoshop

All text is the size of an ant (tried Ctrl +/-    ) Screen displays abt 4" x 6" and on a 22" screen it's a problem

I have no direct access to anything in My Documents - although can use the search function, find a folder and open & use my files that way, all in ant size text (at odd times the ctrl +/- will work)

I have no idea what I've done to cause the problem but adjustments, suggestions or fixes would be wonderful as I'm tired of typing one handed with a magnifying glass in the other (and I do miss Solitaire!!)

REALLY appreciate help please   

Thanks

Di

[LizzieW]

To re-size the screen you need Ctrl and 0 (zero).  Whether that will then show your Icons I don't know.

[Lady Di]

Thanks for the suggestion Lizzie. I tried it but, frustratingly, it made no difference

Wish I knew what went wrong 

[Ruskie]

I'm not sure if this is the problem you have, but there are some "fixes" here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/desktop-icons-are-gone-only-text-shows/27375e67-b355-4a92-afd0-df5b5de7cb0e

(they look pretty technical though)

[majm]

Hi Lady Di,

Non technicalalogical offering

1. Go through your usual shut down. 
2. Disconnect power to the unit and any extra peripherical whatchmacalletss
3. Go to butler's pantry and put kettle on
4. Tea or coffee plus a teasaucer plate of Tim Tams,  ... take your time
5. Return refreshed, stand at desk, tell puter to pull itself together or else
6. Put plugs back where you got them from,
7. Turn on

It's moments like these you need MINTIES 

JM

[Michael J]

If your screen display is so small, is the rest of the screen black? It may be that your display resolution has been changed somehow - try going into 'settings/display' & adjusting.

If not, it may be that your graphics card has developed a fault.

Michael.

[ReadyDale]

Possibly started in Safe Mode (so wouldn't see specific driver for your screen).

Reboot, using the method Majm describes (the TimTams are a crucial part of this  ) then see if the problem persists

[Lady Di]

Thanks for all the suggestions folks

A win or two: After shutdown (sorry, no Tim Tams  )  (thanks JM) I can now use Ctrl & scroll wheel to increase screen displays, both text & Icons. Problem is that it only works for current screen and reverts to normal/tiny when that screen is opened again.

After shutdown I have now lost all passwords again (took ages to remember RootsChat password!!)
Any changes made, incl password storage, lost on reboot.

Common denominator appears "Shutdown". On bootup, it can't sign in to my account. It says "You've been signed in with a temporary profile"

Would that account for loss of my Main Screen Icons and Icons/direct access to microsoft word etc?

Thanks for the link Ruskie - interesting reading but hopefully not my problem

Michael J : rest of screen is blue with windows symbol

ReadyDale: Reboot didn't solve it so does that mean it's not in "Safe Mode"? (apologies for lack of  tech know-how)

Question:
Option available on Device Performance & Health: FRESH START
"Start Fresh with an up-to-date and clean version of Windows ..."

Is this something I should do ... OR only in an emergency ... OR 

Many thanks for everyone's help & suggestions.

I feel sure there's a way out of this "challenge" - just haven't found the right way YET!

[LizzieW]

I would find your local computer expert, and get him/her to come and have a look at it.  You can usually find someone by asking friends, or going to Yellow Pages etc.  The best ones are usually independent and don't work from shops.  I wouldn't go to the chains that sell PCs.