Hello everyone, was hoping someone COULD give me hand with this. I am USING IE 6.0 on a Dell Inspiron 2200 Laptop. When I attempt to open IE from the DESKTOP shortcut or from the start menu it takes me directly to the internet properties menu, but when open an IE link that is a shortcut to say 'Lords of Magic homepage' it opens fine. Can anyone offer some assistance, thank you.

JayRight click on IE shortcut, click Properties, then Shortcut tab. What does it say in Target field?Right click on IE shortcut, which of the menu choices is in bold?Answer for Bronis' question, in the target field it says internet in shaded letters. Maybe i should mention this first, my big blue e shortcut has changed to globe. Answer for the second question is when i right click the shortcut Internet Properties is in bold.Your IE shortcut may be corrupted...
BTW...How can you go right click>Properties>Shortcut tab, since you are saying "Properties" under right click is grayed out?
Also, what Windows version are you on?Also, what do you mean by "internet properties menu"? Do you mean Internet Options menu?I am usinsg windows xp, when i single right click on the shortcut along with copy, cut, delete etc... Internet Properties is bold. That was in reply to feds question.
When i follow your instructions Broni, the target field is occupied by the word internet, but it the word is grey not flat black, in other words it will not allow me to change it.Two things:

1) Make sure you have the latest "high priority" updates installed...as they pertain to your operating SYSTEM...by vising Windows Update.

2) Open Control Panel/Internet Options...click the Advanced tab...click the Restore deafults button...save your settings by clicking OK and/or Apply.

Keep us posted...Another thing to try...
In Windows Explorer, navigate to Program Files>Internet Explorer, double click on "iexplore.ex", and see if IE will open.