Windows 7 loses quick launch settings - nothing to do with messenger

[#1]

I just had a pop-up from Messenger saying a new version was available and did I want to install it.
Agreed and after unticking all the rubbish I didn't want told it to install.
It then said - there are a number of programs running do you want the install process to close them.
The only one running was messenger so - feeling lazy - I click yes.
To my horror it not only closed messenger but also removed my Quick Launch Toolbar and all my desktop icons.
Getting the desktop icons back was relatively easy but getting the quick launch bar back was less intuitive and it had reset all the preferences to default.
Edit - may be unrelated to messenger as Googling threw up several complaints about it

[#2]

I Didnt get that issue tbh jim, so seems unrelated - out of curiosity what version of windows 7 you using?

[#3]

RC

[#4]

Ahh ok, im using the RTM version - so it is possible its because its beta and something has been slightly borked, more than likely something else though i think jim

[#5]

Just happened again - unrelated to anything else - it just forgets the settings - goes away muttering 

[#6]

Sounds like a case where you should shoot the Messenger!