Can't Open Programs or Folders from Desktop

Recently started having problems opening programs and folders from the desktop. I'll click on a program or folder and the icon will flicker or disappear for a second then reappear but the program or folder will not open. Usually between 1 and 3 reboots will take care of the problem, but that takes alot of fun out of it!! Can anybody help?

Thanks!

 

Many applications won't permit multiple sessions - is that a factor here? Look at what is already running (via TaskManager) and see if you may be asking for something that is already open.

If that isn't applicable, then we need to check your associations for shortcuts and their targets.

 

Not a possibility. It will occur immediately upon a fresh boot before anything has been opened.

 

I'd suggest the following:

1. Restore the default functionality of folders by running the script found here.


2. If still no joy, reset the association for Shortcuts by opening a command session and typing ASSOC.LNK=LNKFILE

You should get a confirmation.

If neither of these helps, it will at least narrow thing down a bit.

 

surferdude,
Thanks!! I ran the script. It will probably take a day or so to see if it worked. Now help me out with "opening a command session ". This is territory I have never wandered into.

Thanks Again!!

 

The command session need not be a mystery. You can enter that mode by a couple of means. Easy way - click Start > Run > and type cmd, press enter and you will get the command screen.

The other method would be to click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.

Either way - same place.

Then you must know what to type into the prompt in order to get the results you desire - there's the catch.

It's all driven by typed commands and they must be exact. The machine will only do what it has been programmed to do when a command is entered. If you make an error in typing or do not know the proper syntax, you will not get the results you expect. Be careful since you can do damage.

The command I gave you will cause no harm, even if you type it incorrectly so don't worry. Go ahead and input it, if only for the practice.

I hope your problem is solved but post back if you need further.

 

Must the command you suggest be typed as follows c:\ASSOC.LNK=LNKFILE ?

Must I first delete what is shown in the prompt screen by default before I type my command?

 

No, you need not delete anything, just type the command and press enter. It's a basic Windows command and requires no further configuration. It will run from any residence.

Just type:

assoc.lnk=lnkfile

and you'll set the association for all Shortcut files.