Cannot activate Programs from XP Desktop or Start Menu

[WAXAMAC]

After rebooting, XP brings up desktop with ICONS as usual.

However, when Program ICON is selected, the HOURGLASS is
displayed for 3 to 4 seconds and then the cursor returns
to the desktop. The selected program has not started.

No error message is displayed.

Also, attempts to select programs from START menu do not
work. Attempts to start TASKMANAGER (via Right Click and
CTL/ALT/DEL) do not work.

Attempts to activate programs (including RESTORE) by
selecting from an open file folder has same result as
clicking on Desktop ICON.

This system has been working until the last couple of days.

The last change was installation of cabel modem drivers
over a week ago.

Any advice?

 

[dad2ten]

Have you done a virus scan? Sounds like a good idea.
dad2ten

 

[Guest]

Have you resolved your desktop ICON issue? I am having the same problem in a Windows XP environment. Someone at Dell mentioned that my User Profile may be corrupt and suggested that I would find the answer at Microsoft.com. So far, no luck there.