cannot make a new shortcut on desktop

I have discovered that I cannot make a new shortcut on the desktop. After I click on new/shortcut, the timer shows for about a second, then disappears. Has anyone any idea what could cause this and how to fix it? Thanks for reading and in advance for any help offered. hedley

See if this command helps, from Start/Run:

regsvr32 /i shell32.dll

Found here: 3rd post by Ramesh, MS MVP via a Google search for cannot make a new shortcut on the desktop xp

Hi hedley93,
The problem may have been caused by a registry cleaner or Optimizer program. Please avoid.

Use Step 9 here: To Remove or Restore "Shortcut"

Create a restore point first before doing this in case you need to undo it with a system restore.

Cheers,
Lee