Hi all, For some odd reason, ANY shortcut made to the desktop (all executables - for example, something like winamp or windows media player) it doesnt open... instead, a message pops up and says the following: "Windows cannot access the specified device path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." I am logged on as administrator... I should have the appropriate permissions. I ran Spybot S&D and AdAware, and deleted all spyware. I am runnning: Windows XP Professional (SP1) 1.1GHz , 512 RAM What could be the problem? Why cant my desktop shortcuts open without that message popping up? Many thanks in advance.

Seijuro, it's possible that your shortcuts have become corrupted (why?). Simply RIGHTCLICK and take a look at 'properties' and make sure the target is correct. If it's wrong, delete/replace. HTH. Ed in Texas.

Nope, I checked all target boxes and they're all fine. For example: making a shortcut of AOL instant messanger to the desktop - the target box reads "C:\Program Files\AIM\aim.exe" Which is correct. But when double-clicked it says: "Windows cannot access the specified device path or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." I still do not know why... and It getting real annoying.