Shortcut won't open program

If I open say Google then click File and send a s/cut to desktop. when I click on the s/cut it says "Windows cannot open this file.To open it Windows needs to know what program created it. What do you want to do ? Use web to find one or select from a list "
. I have'nt a clue !!! HELP !!

 

I am not sure what you are suggesting I do. Also after re-checking I have found it is only shortcuts to websites that don't work in any user profile.

 

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Go to the above site and download the association fix for "url file association ". Unzip it and double click on it, it will make the proper changes for you.

 

Thanks Anne, I tried it but Ican only open the s/c once. The next time it reverts to the original message that Windows can't open it.
Also when I open an email and if it has a link in it , when iIclick on it it does nothing.

 

Steve , I have checked this and the settings are as per the screen shots you sent.Still won't open any s/cut (to a web address) that I sent to the desktop.

 

INet shortcuts

You might try just dragging and dropping onto the desktop, or into a folder, the web address from the browser address block.

 

Does this happen for all url shortcuts on the desktop or just the ones that you've opted to put there using the ie's toolbar file>send> "to desktop as shortcut "?

As suggested when you dragNdrop an url from ie's addressbar to the desktop, does this url shorcut work?

What's a right click "properties" check (on the desktop url) reveal as the "file type" and the nfo just under that?

What happens when you choose "Internet Explorer" from the list?

I suppose you've double checked IE's properties and (on the programs tab)made sure there is a check in the box entitled "Internet explorer should check to see if it is the default browser" and it is set to be the default browser, also the other program slots/fields are reflecting the correct program choices.

 

I checked IE as suggested .Downloaded registry fix and IE SP2.
Now working .Many thanks to all contributors.
Still can't recify my W2000 problem (see "System Files Update ") in W2000 forum. Can you help there !!??