Desktop Shortcuts

Hi:

After 2 years using this particular computer with XP Pro, all of a sudden I’m unable to place a shortcut on the desktop and the existing desktop shortcuts (Outlook Exp. Word, Excel, and Publisher)no longer open. I can open the programs normally but not via the shortcut. The error dialog box references an incorrect path, file, program.

However, if I create a shortcut and place it into a folder such as “My Documents”, it will open just fine. If I drag that same shortcut to the desktop, it will not open. If I drag it back to the “My Documents” folder, it will open.

To my knowledge, no new software has been added and no manual changes have been made to the Registry.

Any suggestions will be most helpful.

Thanks

Geoff