In Windows XP this does not exist in the OS. Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of. You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software: * [http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/default.aspx Microsoft Safety Scanner] * [http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/ MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware] * [http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363 TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility] * [http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/ Hitman Pro] * [http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ ESET Online Scanner] [http://windows.microsoft.com/MSE Microsoft Security Essentials] is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one. Further information can be found in the [[Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware]] article. Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Have you checked your Recycle Bin? If it is there you can check what time it was removed. Did you have any backup files not in the Firefox folder? Are they still there?