No docs from finder

I recently upgraded my iMac to Lion. I wonder if I inadvertently did something to remove documents from appearing in Finder. I also no longer show everything saved to my desktop. I have confirmed the info is still there. I just can't see it. I can save a document and see all the other documents. I just can't access docs via Finder. Any direction would be appreciated.
Thanks

What about Finder > Preference >General with option are check On

KGS said:

I recently upgraded my iMac to Lion. I wonder if I inadvertently did something to remove documents from appearing in Finder. I also no longer show everything saved to my desktop. I have confirmed the info is still there. I just can't see it. I can save a document and see all the other documents. I just can't access docs via Finder.

Click to expand...

This is very confusing. Point #1 - are you referring to open documents? #2 - You don't see everything on the Desktop. But, do you see anything? #3 - How have you confirmed that? #4 - You can see what other documents? Where are they saved? #5 - How are you accessing the documents you can see if not via Finder?

Common ground terminology:
Finder is an application that allows you to see graphics on your screen. When not open, documents are represented by icons in Finder Windows or on the Desktop, a close relative. (The icons remain when the documents are open, of course.)

Perhaps it is icons that are not appearing for you??

Details

Typically I click on "Finder" from my dock to locate specific documents. I can also go into Word or Excel and locate docs this way (which works fine).

My challenge is when I open "Finder" (Pref>Gen'l options are checked), on the left side under Favorites I see
All My Files: when I click I see Contacts, Events, Images, PDFs, Music, etc...no problem
Documents: when I click, I see nothing but a white screen
Desktop: when I click, I see nothing but a white screen
Home: when I click, I see nothing but a white screen
Applications: when I click, I see nothing but a white screen
Pictures: when I click, I see nothing but a white screen
Dropbox: when I click, I see nothing but a white screen

Yet, if I want to attach a document to an email, I am able to click on desktop or documents, locate the file and attach it.

I wonder what happened that no longer allows me to access info via "Finder"

Ok, you have a Finder Window problem. You need to get to your User/Library folder. In Lion, it is hidden, but there is a trick to revealing it. I'll have to defer to someone who has Lion, since I can't remember the trick. But, once you get there (HD/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences) drag the com.apple.finder.plist file to your Desktop. Then Restart. That will create a new plist file in that folder. Hopefully that will fix the problem.

P.S. I tried your "click on Finder in the Dock" move for the first time. It opens the Documents folder in my User Folder. I never knew that. I'm not sure I'll use it, but thanks for the tip anyway.