Thanks for your reply JackE.

I did receive replies in the Google forum. The 100% consensus is the files are gone forever. A very hard lesson to learn. 

Forum Link- https://support.google.com/chromebook/thread/27606529?  I described the event in more detail. It's a bit out of order.

But on your advice I did go to the Downloads folder, now completely empty. I checked the box to show hidden files. I then did a search using all the first letters of the alphabet. "Nothing to see here". Under My Files > Downloads > More (the 3 vertical dots)> opening the last line graph shows 7.9G available with 2.6G in use. I'm wondering what this 2.6G is- If this is part of the OS would it show here? The box that opens is titled Settings > Storage Management with Device highlighted on the left task bar. It also says Downloads 0GB, Browsing Data 227MB, and Other Users 0GB. It wasn't a full reset over the crash, only the Downloads folder was lost.

I'll take full responsibility for not moving those files. I just don't know why it happened and wish the warning might have said try and reboot first before attempting to retype the (correct) password multiple times. I'm not a tech. I'm wondering too about static electricity, our house is very dry.

Thank you again JackE , most appreciated. I hope I did what you proposed.

Yes, same one since Day 1. Opening the App Launcher shows me 18 icons - I've never installed any manually that I know of. Files is there, middle of the third row, a blue circle with white folder. Opening the Files icon takes me to My Files> Sub headings are Recent, My Files (with downloads already open), Google Drive, and USB20FD. I've had that USB drive plugged in for some time now, some files are there that I stored previously, haven't used it for some time. Those files appear intact as far as I remember.

Am I in the right place? Thank you!

JackE,

No one else had physical access. When you say reset, are you referring to Powerwash? Since all bookmarks were retained that could not have happened?? I personally have never used Powerwash. The same Google account was maintained after "recovery" although I had to create a new password. Going to the Google account icon > Manage accounts > Choose an Account ... (there is only one account)> Manage your Google account. Within this account all appears to be correct and it does show the password change on Feb 3. 

Looking in chrome://system there are an enormous amount of errors and warnings under chrome_ system_log and chrome_system_log. PREVIOUS. Many end with ...sandbox_support and duplicate id found. I assume PREVIOUS means Feb 3 at password change.

If this one is unstable then perhaps it's time to rethink using it. Up to now it has suited my needs perfectly, plenty fast enough for me and what I need it for. It has suffered some "mini" crashes along the way and shut down, and run out of battery a couple of times, but a simple power up and it was always good to go again. Never gave those instances a second thought.

Thank you.

JackE,

Your interest in my problem was most appreciated, Thank you !!

I've learned from this, hopefully those lost files won't bite me hard later. What bothers me is finding out that this is not at all an uncommon problem for us not in the know. While yes, I should have backed up the files, I don't believe it needed to happen this way- that's My Opinion as a non tech person.

I say this because ... #1 The box is, and has been checked all along to report crashes to Chrome .. #2 Why crash my system over a password Chrome thinks is wrong. In other words why should Chrome think my security is being breached if someone is entering the same password multiple times. I should think that if someone is attempting to get into a system not their own they would be guessing at different passwords ...
#3 Why not a BIG warning after multiple password attempts to say you've used up your allotment, maybe shut down and try again later or ... #4 Why not present another option in addition to a password reset that MAY cause you to lose data/files- such as #3.

I don't know why Google's email said your account was recovered successfully. Those Download files were part of the account. So ..

Once again JackE, your friendly input was most welcomed. Regards, and many thanks.

JackE,

You are right of course. Ill pay attention for sticking keys as I continue to use this machine for a while. No NASA secrets here. Only key I've noticed sticking is the forward slash, it's always been that way- and didn't apply to the password. I'm afraid to do a full reset as I don't know what will happen. Is it just a question of losing bookmarks? Certainly don't have to worry about Download files anymore! I'll remove the USB drive when I do so. The emails have been on AOL since Verizon divested that service to them. Perhaps I should make a separate post about Powerwash. or Google the expected outcome, I did do this when i gave my brother my first Chrome machine, an Acer Cb3-111 (?) , but too long ago for me to remember the outcome

Thank you!

'Should' of course is the keyword.  " 

I couldn't agree more! I prefer my tension be appropriately placed in a Jason Bourne movie.

Thank you!