Vanishing folder

[Guzeppi]

A folder on my desktop has vanished unaccountably.  I had been using this folder into which I used to enter several files without any trouble for quite some time.  Suddenly, this evening the icon for the said folder vanished from my desktop and I got a message telling me that the folder has either been moved or that it was somehow damaged.

How I wish I would get this folder back!

Please help!

Many thanks.

Joe, aged 75

[SuperDave]

Did you check in the Recycling Bin? It could have been accidently erased. Did you do a search for the folder using the name of the folder?

[Guzeppi]

Many thks for prompt reply.

Cannot find folder in the Recycle Bin.

Said folder must have been accidentally deleted.  I NEVER deleted it myself.  Could this have happened as an inexplicable quirk in the computer system?

Before this deletion happened, I never had any trouble dragging a file from the desktop to the said folder.  The deletion happened when I tried to drag a file in the usual way.  Why?  And can the folder be retrieved or is it lost forever?

Thanks again for your advice and your patience.

Joe

[patio]

Do a search for 2 or 3 of the files you had in there...your data is probably still there...

[Guzeppi]

Thanks again, but how to do a search in Windows 8.1?  If I am not trying your patience too much, can you give me stepbystep directions please?

Joe

[Guzeppi]

Tried looking for 2 or 3 files as you suggest, but unfortunately my problem is still unsolved.

Have come across a few software offers on the internet for retrieving lost folders, which include even free offers.  But are these safe?

With renewed thanks.

Joe