Opera problems

I wanted to try opera web browser. I installed and it seemed like it was trying to take over my computer. I wanted to use Explorer or Opera at will but it kept on reverting back to Opera which I didn't care for all that much. I removed Opera useing add remove programs. Now whenever I try to use a short cut from my desktop I receve the following message: Windows cannot open this file (it then gives the web address) To open this file, windows needs to know what program created it. Windows can go online to look it up automatically or you can select from a list of programs on your computer.

When I choose go on line to look up the program nothing happens.

I don't know what program created my problem so I don't try looking at a list.

I also notice System restore doesn't work either.

I am running Internet Explorer with Windows XP. AMD Athlon 64 processor 3800+ 1024 of RAM, 200 gb hardrive

Any answers please?

Thanks so much

 

I have Opera and at first I loved it, but then I decided that Firefox was better for me.
If my wife uses my PC, she uses Opera. (keeps her away from my bookmarks, etc.)
Only a few things I know: Opera is like a subsidiary of Firefox.
Along with Thunderbird (compare to Outlook Express), and/or Seamonkey (a combination browser and E-mail whatever thing)...
I never use Explorer anymore, but I remember choosing a default browser, by clicking Start...Set Program Access and Defaults....and then custom...and then choosing...
Or, if you can just get explorer to run again... see if you can click on any option to make it your "Default" browser.
If you successfully removed Opera, then that could be the reason why windows can't open it, but maybe you just have the shortcut still there???
(Shortcut to nowhere place... ya' know?)
Is it possible you need reinstall explorer?
P.S. if it really is just a dead shortcut, just drag it to recycle bin, or right click it and click delete!