Tools and layers disappeared

[Rickr]

In Elements 12 my tools, on the right, and layers, on the left, all disappeared. In the Window menu, Tools is checked but Layers is unchecked. I tried checking it but nothing happens. A post on this subject said to update Preferences, but I'm not sure what exactly to do there. Clicking Reset Panels didn't help either. Thanks so much for any suggestions.

[John T Smith]

Mac or Windows, and exactly which version of the operating system?

Has your operating system recently performed an update?

[Rickr]

Windows 10 Home. (2004) It has continuous updates. By the way, when the tool and layer panels disappeared a screen showed up that has the tabs Quick Guided Expert at the top. I never use any of those. Thanks, John!

[John T Smith]

I will GUESS that "something" about a recent Windows update has changed how your computer works "just enough" to cause problems

I do not know if this will help, but it is the only idea I have

Two ideas that MAY work to install and/or run old programs in Windows 10
-RIGHT click the program icon or EXE and select a compatibility mode in the pop up option window
-and/or select Run as Administrator to assign FULL Windows permissions
-also https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/create-local-administrator-account-windows.html

[Rickr]

Thanks for the suggestions, but somehow I just fixed the problem. In frustration I started clicking (again!) on everything in sight. I think what worked was choosing Reset Panels (in Window) followed by clicking on Expert. I sure wish I knew what I had clicked on to cause the problem in the first place! But at least it's fine for now and thanks again for your time!