Desktop shortcuts no longer work

The s signifies a secure site, have seen it help to go to Control Panel, Internet Options or IE, Tools, Internet Options and set the Security to Default. Also you may try adding the s to those URLs without it, if it then opens resave it.

Yes, I know the "s" is for secure.

I followed your instructions, but it didn't change anything. I have found that by changing the URL to https:www. etc., etc., I usually can pull up the site. If I drag it to the desktop to make a shortcut, it isn't accessible through the link! I'm baffled, to say the least!

Press the Windows and "i" keys simultaneously, click "Apps", "Default Apps", scroll down and click "Choose default apps by protocol" and make sure "http" is set to Firefox.

Ben

ChrisC said:

Completely out of the blue last night, the majority of the desktop shortcuts I have to Internet sites have stopped working! I can access them (the websites) on my Android phone, but not on my PC. I am using Firefox as my browser and Windows 10. Any thoughts as to why this might be happening? My Android is connected via my Wi-Fi modem and the PC is hard-wired to the modem.

Addendum: I've just noticed the links URLs that work start with https: and those that do not start with http:

Try Rebuild Icon Cache tutorial :
Rebuild Icon Cache in Windows 10

Okay, tried that............also tried setting it to "https" Firefox. Neither fixed the problem.

quote : Completely out of the blue last night...…..

Do a System Restore. Pick a date you did not have this problem as your restore point, such as 3 or 4 days ago.
System Restore Windows 10

davidhk said:

Try Rebuild Icon Cache tutorial :
Rebuild Icon Cache in Windows 10

Thanks, but that is far too complicated for my low level of computer skills.

ChrisC said:

Thanks, but that is far too complicated for my low level of computer skills.

Don't sell yourself short.
The tutorial is really simple.
Go to Option One > click the Download blue button > Save As > save it to your desktop > exit.
At your desktop, RIGHT click at that bat file saved at desktop > click Open > tap on any key to start the process > when done, you will be asked if you want to restart or not > type y as in yes, n as in no. (For good measure, type y to restart. I never have to.)
That's it.
Now try your desktop shortcuts.

Just got off the phone with the guy who repairs and maintains my computer. He said it's not a problem within my computer. It has to do with Google requiring sites to purchase a security certificate for their site to work. He had to do it for his site because people couldn't access it. That's why changing the address to https://www will usually allow access. However I can't seem to save them. He says it will take about a month for everything to settle down. Anyone know about this on the forum?