inactive shortcuts and file, folder icons on desktop

[Sondi]

After installation of a Spyware program that almost
wiped out my entire computer, I have pretty much got
everything caught up except my display and some system
locating issues. Most of the shortcuts and file, folder
icons on my desktop generate no response when I attempt
to open them. They are dead-ends, but do not generate an
error message. I have also found that I cannot create a
shortcut from any of my drives onto my desktop.
Troubleshooting guides do not seem to be providing a
resolution. Where do I go from here?

 

[Fritz]

Reinstall Windows and then all the Windows Updates.