Desk top icons not working

Hello;

when clicking or double clicking a desktop icon, the only thing that comes up is the properties box. The actual link is not working. I've tried to delete the old icon and place a new one, but it does the same thing. I have also run the AntiMalewarebytes and found nothing. Is there a simple fix?:confused

 

This has happened to me numerous times. More times than not, I was infected with something. Not sure if you've read the READ AND RUN ME FIRST, but here's the link. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407
If you are deemed clean. What version of windows are you running and service pack? When ever you click on the icon, what comes up? Does it take you to the parent directory?
HAve you made any recent changes to your CPU?

 

Yes I did read the read and run me first, but since I am at work and the computer in question is home...I was hoping to find a fix while here first. I am running Windows XP on an emachine. CPU??? Not sure what that is. I recently installed a new AC Power pack but it was working fine.
If I click on the icon it displays the "properties" box, that is all. I can access programs through the start/programs, but not through icons.
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me, it is greatly appreciated.

 

since you did the run and read me, you first should post your logs after following all directions. After your logs are all posted and you are deemed clean by our superheros . we'll go from there.
You can try this,This is a fix that was put out by microsoft a few years back to fix the lnk association with the icons, but I don't think this is your problem but it's worth a shot.
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm