Double-click won't open items on desktop

[Guest]

This problem just started, I think it may coincide with the expiration of my
Norton Antivirus subscription. Whenever I double-click on an icon on my
desktop, the program doesn't open. The icon fades out but nothing happens.
I have to right-click and click on Open to activate the program. I updated
Norton, but that doesn't change anything. This double-click problem occurs
sporadically within some programs also, like Microsoft Help. Any clues?

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

For shortcuts, this is usually a file association problem. See www.dougknox.com, Win XP Fixes, File Association Fixes, LNK File Association Fix.

 

[Guest]

This fix did the trick! I can't begin to express my appreciation to you.
I should have posted sooner; I spent a whole day trying to figure this out
myself.

Thanks, again.
Shorebird

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

You're welcome