Big problem after last MacOS update. Please help

[Wrothnie]

May one inquire how you landed on this solution?

I have a problem with a list Desktop and Downloads folder and am wondering if this may be a solution

Lost Desktop and also Safari downloads

My installation of Safari has lost its Downloads button (I can still download without any problems from Brave browser - but I have to choose a folder other than Desktop or Downloads). I then discovered that my Desktop has also gone missing. Clicking on the link in the sidebar generates this message " The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “Desktop” can’t be found." When I tried going via the Home > Users folder, I see that Desktop, Documents and Downloads are greyed ou…