Vista - Computer loses desktop icons & programs when I execute install exe

I've developed a major problem with my H.P. Pavilion Vista 64bit SP1
computer. (4MG RAM) When I attempt to install a program that's over approx.
10M in size all my icons disappear from my desktop (except for the default
ones) along with most programs I've already installed and programs shipped
with the H.P.... , and /or anything I've transferred over from my external
HHD onto this computer disappears also.

Right now in my START, ALL PROGRAMS it says empty. Things I have pinned to
my START are still there. I've put my computer back to factory settings 3
times, first with the D recovery partition then twice with Recovery Disks
from H.P which I ordered. Still the same problem. I install programs under
10M and all seems ok. But when I attempt to execute/install a program of
approx 10 megabytes or more the default little circle goes round and round
for about 45 seconds then I see my desktop icons disappear along with the
above mentioned.

In Windows Explorer very few programs under program files (x386) are still
there. But most under normal Program Files are. Even the ones shipped with
the computer are gone. Does anyone or would anyone know the reason why?
Thanks so much.
--
Lee Lord

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Lee Lord wrote: