Just wondering if any of you IT buffs have any clues on this problem:-

One of the PCs in our reception class has developped a problem in that any shortcut on the desktop leads, not to the intended programme, but to the My Pictures folder. I tried a system restore today, which seemed to work initially but after a restart reverted to the same problem. CT told me later that they'd had this problem since before half-term so thought tomorrow I'd try a restore to an earlier date.

If that doesn't work I thought maybe we'd just have to replace each shortcut in turn, CT says programmes work no problem when launched from All Programs.

Has anyone any other ideas, or any suggestion about what might have happened?

It could be something to do with the file association.


delete a shortcut, and then create a new short cut from the original program and see what happens.

I initially thought file associations, but then when CT said she could access all the progs from start I doubted this. Restored to an earlier date this morning, then I noticed wherever you clicked on the desktop the documents shortcut was highlighted & hence accessed. CT said she didn't user the shortcut off the desktop so we deleted it, seemed to solve the problem but we'll keep an eye on it

Not sure if the same works on networked computers, but don't see why not.

If it is a program right click then click on the properties button. A box should open with the shortcut selected. This should allow you to see where the shortcut is aimed at when clicked. You should be able to alter it there.

If you change this and it returns to the previous value - ie my pictures I would suspect that there is a registry entry which is doing this, especially if after rebooting. Unless you are experienced with dealing with registry entries DONT GO THERE! Correcting registry muck ups is realy hard work unless you truly are a guru and know your stuff. Thats if you don't completely screw the computer up.

The procedure is very similar with files. Except the box will tell which program the file is associated with and should allow you to change the program it is associated with. Haven't come across this problem with files but would suspect the same problem as with programs ie registry issue.

If you have got rid of the short cut ie deleted it and then emptied the recycle bin you could try making another short cut and see if it does the same. If so let your techie guys know so it can be looked at at some point.

Thanks for that George, not heard anything to the contrary from the CT so I'm assuming it's now working fine