Closed laptop screen now comp doesn't remember local settings

I closed my Dell Inspiron 5100 screen, and after opening it back up and clicking my user, the only one on the computer, the computer doesn't remember my settings, even after restarting after making changes (as in desktop icons, start menu preferences, file view stuff, etc) as if it's the first time I've started Windows. I get a message after start up that says something to the effect of the computer can't find local settings. I can't use Eudora now, because for some reason it isn't recognizing where to look for the appropriate files, which is my biggest concern. Any help would be great. Thanks.