dont know how it happened but i lost all my games. anyone know the source of this problem? also leads me to another question, is there anywhere i can download others saved games from around where i left off? then edit the character with a hex?

Take a look a look at this post for save game location.
I don't know of any save games for download . . .=)
Edit: Someone suggested that the saves disappeared if your user account was not an admin account and, If not, when you check "Run as an administrator" on the game shortcut Compatibility tab . . .Vista / Win 7 moved the save files (see the link above) I have not tested the theory . . .=)

Yop, depending on your OS, User account and Admin rights, die location of your savegames may differ. Search your HDD for Arcanum folders, one of them will contain your precious savegames.

what should i title my search exactly? ty for the info guys!

See the attached image
Edit: When backing up your save game files be sure to backup the "Current" directory as well since there may be map data for your characters in the directory.