ok here's the problem : when I click on any of my shortcuts on my desktop,it asks me what program I want to use to open with -- I checked internet explorer and "always" and so on -- then it opens -- now I have NEVER had to do this until several days ago and have no idea what has happened ! I am SO flusterated and need help bad --- I did delete all the shortcuts on desktop and went online and pulled up each site and made NEW shortcuts,but to no avail -- same problem :-( can someone help me out ? PLEASE

Thanks :-)

Try this:

Go here and download the LNK fix
Read the instructions at the top of the page first.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

Thank you for your reply -- I did download it and followed the directions,rebooted as well,but still the same ole problem.

Thanks anyway

Is this a new problem? Were things working OK previously? Any new hardware or software?

If this is a new problem try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem:

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

Yes it's a new problem -- it's on my hubby's comp --- no problem until both of us downloaded Mozilla Foxfire browser to try --- didn't like it,so uninstalled it -- he did a system restore 3 times,each time backing up the date and it always said "system restore didn't/couldn't complete" (or something to that effect) I did a system search and removed everything I could find that had "mozilla" or "foxfire" in any manner -- rebooted many times and still no luck! Just dont know what else to do.

Thanks for your reply :-)

I do see this as a Firefox corruption.

Go to this site and then click page O and read the Open With tips:

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm

Another possibility:

Type in Start - Run

regsvr32 /i shell32

Thanks all,for the replies -- I found what I needed at the microfoft site and now have it fixed !! YEAH !
I do appreciate all the help :-)

What was the fix?

Under "internet options" the "internet explorer should check to see whether it's the default browser" it wasn't checked ! I guess when we downloaded the Foxfire browser,it unchecked it or something ? Simple really WHEN you know what to look for :-( I just never thought of that.
Oh well -- have sure learned a valuable lesson !

Thanks again :-)