I installed the Mozilla Firefox browser,then uninstalled it and went
back to IE 6. I also deleted all Firefox and Mozilla files and
folders. Now when I attempt to access any desktop icon (e.g.,
Amazon.com) I get the message " Program not found. Windows cannot
find Firefox.Exe. This program is needed for opening files of type
'URL: Hypertext Transfer Protocol'." Then when I close out this
message I get another message: "Access to the specific device, path,
or file is denied".

I can get to Amazon via my browser but when I create a new shortcut
icon on my desktop and attempt to access this new post-Firefox icon the
same thing happens.

I use WIN 98.

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Clarification of Question by monreale-ga on 07 Jul 2004 17:09 PDT

I just found that the same problem occurs when I'm on a website and
attempt to open a link.

monreale...

It sounds to me like Firefox had become set as your default
browser, which means whenever you click on an internet shortcut
such as Amazon.com, your computer will try to open it using the
default browser, which, in this case, is missing.

IE6, when it is not the default browser, is normally set up to
ask you, upon starting IE, if you would like to set IE as the
default browser, however it is possible that this message was
turned off, as that option is available as well.

To restore IE's ability to ask that question, so you can answer
'Yes', open IE, and go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Programs
tab. At the bottom of the page, you'll see a checkbox next to
the phrase "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is
the default browser". Check that box, close all browser windows,
and re-open IE6. You should now get the message asking if you 
want to set IE as your default browser. Click YES, and all your
shortcuts should now open in IE6.

Here's a page from the University of Hong Kong which illustrates
the process I described above:
http://www.hku.hk/cc/faq/www/Def2IE.html


Please do not rate this answer until you are satisfied that  
the answer cannot be improved upon by way of a dialog  
established through the "Request for Clarification" process. 
 
sublime1-ga


Searches done, via Google:

"IE6 as the default browser"
://www.google.com/search?q=%22IE6+as+the+default+browser%22

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Clarification of Answer by sublime1-ga on 07 Jul 2004 17:21 PDT

monreale...

I just read your Clarification. The answer I gave should fix
that problem, as well.

sublime1-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by monreale-ga on 07 Jul 2004 20:28 PDT

Actually I had just switched from IE6 to Google as my default browser
so now when I click on the IE icon, up comes Google. How should I get
to IE6 as a starting point for the process you describe? Thanks.

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Clarification of Answer by sublime1-ga on 07 Jul 2004 22:02 PDT

monreal...

You wrote:

"Actually I had just switched from IE6 to Google as my default browser
 so now when I click on the IE icon, up comes Google. How should I get
 to IE6 as a starting point for the process you describe?"

Google is a website, not a browser. Google may be your default home
page, but the interface in which the Google page is displayed is your
IE browser. No matter what page is set as your homepage, the browser
interface should be surrounding the page, and you just need to go
to the menubar at the top to find "Tools -> Internet Options -> 
Programs tab" and follow the directions I gave you in the answer.

If you're not seeing the toolbar at the top, your browser may be
set to a Full Screen view. Hitting the F11 button will restore it
to normal view.

sublime1-ga

Swift, knowledgeable, effective service. Excellent! And Sublime1, how
may I reach you if I need help again? Monreale

monreale...

Thanks very much for the comments and rating. To ask for a 
specific researcher, just include their name in the subject
of the question, as in "For sublime1-ga: topic".