Windows 7: Desktop & Start Menu shortcuts not working??

Hey all, I need some help. I'm not very good with stuff, so hopefully someone has a solution for me?

My desktop and start menu shortcuts are not working at all. their all still there, although they just show up with a blank white icon. When I try to open something, it brings up a window with a list of programs asking me what I would like to use to run the application. Control panel, My computer, recycle bin, and a couple word files are fine. but things like itunes, google sketchup, firefox, ie will not work.

I've tried safe mode, system restore, and system maintenance with no luck..



does anyone know of a solution for this?

Thanks a lot!

Welcome to Seven Forums.

Sounds like file associations are messed up.

Have you scanned with your antivirus program?

Clean malware of every kind with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware

This should get your Icons to look right.
Icon Cache - Rebuild - Windows 7 Forums

Post back and let us know the results.

Hi crankshaft013, and welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

In addition to the above, try running an SFC Scan and removing the Shortcut Arrow

You might also see if restoring each filetype extension helps since the extension .ico is there which may help fix your problem:
Default File Type Associations - Restore

If none of this or the above helps, please post a screenshot of what you are experiencing.
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

Hey guys! thanks a lot for the quick responses! i really appreciate it!

I downloaded malewarebytes, ran it, found 22 bad files that I got rid of, but no fix.. Ran a full scan with avast pro, came back clean.. in the mean time I did a little more searching with my other comp. and came across this..

How To Change & Fix Broken File Type Associations In Windows 7 | MakeUseOf

read the article, downloaded the suggested fix, and after a reboot I was all set!

Thanks again guys!