Resolved Windows 10 Auto Update disaster

Yesterday I was away from my desktop Dell 8900 series with Windows 10. This morning I turned my computer on and: 1. 2/3 of my desktop program and short cut icons were GONE. 2. ALL of my taskbar icons were gone except Edge, Task View, and File Explorer. Notification of 3 Windows Updates.
I have a new desktop and have been using IE11 because Edge does not handle any of the programs I use like RoboForm and a reminder program I bought recently and can't remember the name of it I am so shaken. IE 11 has not worked well and crashed a lot. My Incredimail Program gone. Finding it and clicking on the icon from the list brought up a screen for beginning set up for the program I have been using for years. Anybody out there that might be able to tell me what happened. It looks to me like Microsoft has decided to force Windows 10 users to use Edge like it or not. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated. Also all my setting are gone relative to print size.

 

Try a Restore. Start > Settings > Update and Security.

 

Use Chrome browser. Download it from the Internet.

 

I am locked out of my computer from the standpoint that when I try to sign on and enter my pin, I get another screen that says words to the effect that I must sign out and then sign back in. I'm not sure what that means but when I try I do not get a sign in screen except the one that comes up asking for my pin. To add to that, I have forgotten the password I entered when I first set up this new Dell Desktop in July. The only way I can get in and use the unit is with a "temporary profile" which I can access with my "pin" within which I cannot access files--and any files I create in this profile are deleted when I sign out. In that profile I can get a browser and go to Comcast.net and access my emails but that is it. Thank you for your response. I think I am going to take the unit back to the place where I bought it and see if their service dept can help me. I am afraid to even try a reset or restore as I am not a quick study when it comes to my PC. I will eventually get back to this post and hopefully be able to list a resolution and mark the post resolved. Thanks to all who responded.

 

Can you get into Safe Mode? If so, this is the process to follow for a System Restore: Reset or reinstall Windows 10 on your Dell computer | Dell European Distribution Business
How to enter Windows 10's Safe Mode

 

I went to Micro Center "Knowledge Desk) where I purchased the computer (Dell Desktop XPS 8900) in July and explained the situation concerning Windows Update and the problems created. He advised that the updates were "Anniversary" Updates and that they have had a number of people having trouble with those updates-none exactly like mine, but problems nonetheless. He took the back off my computer, put it back on and fired it up. When he turned the monitor around so that I could see it, the desktop was restored to the way it was prior to the updates. I asked "What did you do?" and he said "Nothing, really ". I had tried for 3 full days to try and find something-anything-that I had put on the computer since I bought it in July to no avail. He said they could probably tell the "updates" didn't take and downloaded and installed them again prior to my taking the computer to the service desk. I doubt that but had no clue how this might have happened--nor did he, really. I told him while I was there that prior to my problems with the updates I had been having frequent problems with IE 11 and frequent notices IE has stopped working due to a problem. In addition, every other day or so I was getting notices from Norton that my unit was getting "Exploit Attacks" always at "Internet Explorer explore.exe" He suggested that Norton might not be the best bet for protection (security) and recommended "eset Smart Security" a security suite with an annual fee.
I have heard in the past that statement--at Best Buy and from others some of whom I am aware could have an ulterior motive in that they market other security software and profit by selling it. I decided to try it. My system is restored now after having been missing everything I put on it since I got it and I don't have a clue except that it had to do with Microsoft's Windows 10 updates. I will now move forward and see how things go with IE and if it continues to be trouble prone will try and adapt to Edge. I don't like FF or Chrome. I am going to mark this thread resolved and if more or the same problems continue, I'll be back. In the meantime, I'm going to head to "donate ". This forum is a treasure for all and particularly those of us who are not particularly "quick studies" in the computer world. Thank again to all who offered help! bsillverfox Bill

 

Are you still using Norton? Why not uninstall Norton (Symantec) and see how Windows Defender (default AV) runs and whether IE 11 works OK? I have 4 comps running W10 and Windows Defender without problems. Updates work flawlessly and I've had no trouble with the KB's others are complaining about.