Have you tried re-installing Works? If the launcher exe got corrupted 'normally,' that should fix the problem. Also, have you checked for any updates to Windows/IE that might have been applied since the last time the launcher worked for you? You might be able to use System Restore to step back out and see if that is what broke the launcher on your rig.

Or, as Rudebaz implied, have you considered ditching that Built-to-Sell-Office suite and using something like OpenOffice, or, gasp, Office?

p.s. I haven't messed with Works since around the turn of the century, but I vaguely recall that some folks in our shop did manage to 'break' the task launcher and then fix it with a reinstall. We were writing training for it and had installation media--you might be suffering with an OEM installation, which should theoretically come with some tech support that might be more accessible than the vast swamp that is microsoft.com. 

Sounds like you'd be fine with Notepad then, or even, dare I type it, pen and paper... 

(If it exists on Win7) You might be able to go into Control Panel / Add Remove Software, click on the Works program and see if it has a "Repair" option - some progs do, some don't.

DaveRI, there is a repair option but it asks for the cd.

Doc, I do have a backup, but it's one of those that doesn't include the OS and compresses the data.

Wizard, I did try that first, but didn't use the other compatibility settings.  Will try it now.

Thanks folks for the responses.

EDIT:  Didn't work Wizard.

Po, thanks for the info.  I checked and 'read only' wasn't selected.  I have Works SE version 9. 

Like I said I can create shortcuts of all the individual programs (Calendar, Spreadsheet, Word....), the only one I use is Word so it's not a major problem. 

I don't have a full blown Office Program because I just don't need it. 

Just an old fart enjoying life as it comes along each day. 

I agree with PoSmedley.  I use Open Office here and it works well.  You can save files in all kinds of ways.  I save things as Microsoft document here when I need to do something for work.  Much better than Works. 

You've got to be fuckin' kiddin'......

Boot into Safe Mode and see if the app opens normally.

One other thing you might check... Once my AV software quarantined MS Works, seeing it as malware. It didn't work again until I restored it. 

Agreed. But it came without an installation disk. So making the rescue disks is the next best thing (after removing the bloatware, etc.).

MSWorks isn't really worth the effort. Libré Office is a good one. If you only need a word processor, Philly - AbiWord is the choice. http://abisource.com/

There's a full explanation and screenies there.

Never did like MS works. The one that came with this laptop I uninstalled and installed Libre Office in its place. Used to use Open Office until it left the open source arena. Works like a charm.

Uvah, I looked at Libre Office and one thing that was interesting is depending on which version you download it's less than 253 MB, Works takes up 896 MB. 

Is Libre Office able to be skined by WindowBlinds Uvah?

Easy on him hillbilly boy. You know he's dyslexic...

.....not to mention fuckin' ancient.