Can't open links in my user folder

I've recently build a new computer and it's great.

However I'm having a problem with opening symbolic links. When I try to open a symbolic link, I get an error message saying the location is unavailable and access is denied. How can I fix this?

The folder you are trying to open in your screenshot is normally not displayed in Explorer, you must have the "Hide protected operating system files" check-box unchecked. The folder you tried to open and the other similar ones are there for backwards compatibility with XP application, they aren't meant to be directly accessed by the user.

Is there a way I can open them? They seem like they point to useful locations (useful for me).

The folders that have the same function are in different places in Windows 7. If you mention what folders you want access to I should be able to tell you there location in Windows 7.

Start Menu, Send To, Templates, All Users\Desktop

Thanks.

Do you know why I can't access them directly? If applications can access them why not the user directly?

OK thanks!