Bill,
Which EXACT desktop shortcuts are you having problems with? It sounds like they are shortcuts to online sites...Is that correct? How do you create these shortcuts? Do you have the shortcuts set as "Favorites" in your Internet Explorer browser and if so, can you open Internet Explorer, then click on the "Favorite" to access the site?
"Optonline" is a cable internet service, have you asked them about the problem??.
Hope this helps and let us how it's going.
Grif
Using XP, internet explorer and optonline which is always online I have a problem with may desktop shortcuts.after i use them once to get something online they will not work again I go to google and get the site through it Whats wrong with what. thank you Bill

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