Desktop problem

[Guest]

Can anyone help
Sometimes when I double click an icon on the desktop the egg timer symbol appears (the big one) and there it stays
I can move it around but can't get rid of it, and the programme doesn't open. Whatever I select in the task manager has no effect and in desparation I end up cutting the power (yes I know that's naughty)
I would greatly appreciate any advice
Thank you.

 

[Zoe]

For a start... is it always the same icon/program??

If so, which one?

Can anyone help?
Sometimes when I double click an icon on the desktop the egg timer symbol

appears (the big one) and there it stays.

I can move it around but can't get rid of it, and the programme doesn't

open. Whatever I select in the task manager has no effect and in desparation
I end up cutting the power (yes I know that's naughty).

 

[Guest]

Thanks for replying Zoe.
In this case it was Outlook Express but it happens with other icons.

----- Zoe wrote: -----

For a start... is it always the same icon/program??

If so, which one?

Can anyone help?
Sometimes when I double click an icon on the desktop the egg timer symbol

appears (the big one) and there it stays.

I can move it around but can't get rid of it, and the programme doesn't

open. Whatever I select in the task manager has no effect and in desparation
I end up cutting the power (yes I know that's naughty).