Windows 7: Desktop shortcuts will not work.

Hi folks, been trying to get help for a problem that started a few hours ago aqnd been referred here having tried a few options.
Had been in Google Chrome (IE9 ALSO OPEN) when I went to close it would not, so used Ctrl/Alt/Delete. For some reason it closed not only Chrome, but IE as well. From desltop I went into my Google shortcut (used IE), but would not open. Tried Windows Live Hotmail, that to would not open. Tried a few more and same result, though a couple, CCleaner and itunes did. Tried to get into IE through start menu...no joy. If I waited long enough I would get the following message come up;

There was a problem sending the command to the programme

Decided to reboot laptop, but would not close down. Message came up;

Question

Are you sure you want to cancel update?

Yes No

By clicking yes, windows closed.

Only way to get into the programmes is through Safe Mode with Networking, where everything works fine.
Have tried a few suggestions....making sure IE was default browser, uninstalling Chrome, having Windows check for shortcut errors...but still same problems.
In the course of trying to uninstall Chrome, when I went into Control Panel (Windows Normal Mode) there was NOTHING there! In Safe Mode everything there.
In Normal Mode my alternative uninstall programme could not fully uninstall Chrome...but in Safe Mode, I was able to uninstall through Control Panel!
That is where I am at...no further forward.
Any suggestions?
Running Acer Aspire 8730ZG laptop. Windows 7 32 bit. 3gb Ram. Virgin Media security.

Welcome to Seven Forums FusedTANGDREAM.
You can try restoring the file association for.lnk (LNK) files with this:
Default File Type Associations - Restore

Hi there and thanks for reply. I have gone into the link you have suggested and will give that a try, however, it states that I should do a System Restore and gives instructions, by two methods, to check that System Protection is switched on. When I go into Control Panel/System there is NO link on left hand side, or anywhere else on that page for System Protection. So probably best I wait for reply to this before proceeding with restoring File Link solution.

Just a further bit of info re above. I went into System Restore, just to check what Resore Points there were......there are none whatsoever, despite the fact I know I have set some in the past.

Hello FusedTANGDREAM, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Creating a restore point is just a precationary step, but merging the LNK option is pefectly safe since it restores it to the default settings and associations to hopefully fix your shortcuts.

Good evening Brink and Britton30. Well have tried the link and am really delighted to tell you it worked, all shortcuts working fine now, so many, many thanks, I really appreciate your time and help.
Can I perhaps trouble for advice on the System Protection/Restore issue that original problem highlighted. How do I get System Protection/Restore to show, given it is not where it should be? If I need to start another Thread, please just say.
Once again, thank you for all the help.

You're most welcome. I'm glad that we were able to help.

Cool, glad the shortcut issue is fixed.
As for System Restore, start a thread here Performance & Maintenance - Windows 7 Forums