Please help....

I can't reach any programs through shortcuts ANYMORE in windows xp.  If you want to see a picture of what my desktop looks like, click http://tarasellsorlando.com/problem.jpg.

I don't know how to fix this problem.  I've tried to "open FILE with..." but it does not fix all of the icons.  The only way I can access my programs is by placing the actual file on the desktop or going through the c: drive.

It's getting really annoying.  I would really appreciate any help!  Thanks!

TaraScan for Trojan Horses, Spyware and Viruses.

Did this only happen to your shortcuts? When did your problem first begin?if the *censored* cant help reinstall xpFirstly, reinstallation is a very last resort. If you think the problem is not solvable, still avoid it until you have to. Trust me here.

Secondly, a screenshot almost never helps in any problematic situation. The exact error messages you get and any relevant logfiles are much handier.

That aside, I do BELIEVE there is a virus that does this sort of thing. Make sure you update it before you scan. Also do the rest of what Raptor suggests and scan for spyware etc. I've said this before and I'll say it again: If your house has 'roaches, it'll probably has rats too...I'm not sure if it's the dirty work of some virus or one of my roommates.  I ran adaware, avg, and norton and came up with nothing.

There are no error messages when trying to click a shortcut.  I think windows sees the shortcuts as actual files (i guess .lnk files) and tries to open them unsuccessfully.

I can however right click, choose "open with" and select the actual program i want from the shortcut from a list. For example, right clicking on the AIM shortcut and selecting AOL instant messenger from the program list opens it. It does not change the desktop shortcut however, and I have to do this every time I want to open that or any program.Your problem is called:  Lost File Associations
Now...how to fix it.
Found this:  

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,11573295~mode=flat
bearshare;aol;real player.....thats a nice pc of spyware...download spyweeper from webroot.com..is this an upgrade winxp disk.......does HITTING the f5shell issue..