See if there is a Firefox listed in your Start Menu. If not, go to the Programs List there > Right click Firefox>Pin to Start Menu.

In either case, drag the Firefox icon from the Start Menu(it won't actually move) to Desktop to create the shortcut.

Hi alan_r, Thanks for trying to help. The problem is not that I don't have the icon. Firefox simply refuses to open on my desktop. Clicking any of the icons causes it to open in the background, but I can't see it. Task Manager shows it open. Then I "End Process" and start over to no avail.

Could be a problem with your Firewall. Eliminate all references to Firefox and Plug-in container. The Firewall should ask for permission and re-set if Firefox starts. Try disabling Firewall and Anti-virus briefly.

Try starting in Safe Mode - Hold Shift key down as you double click on your Firefox desktop icon> don't check anything on the page that opens>Continue. Actually this is probably the best place to start.

If Fx works in Safe Mode you probably have a problem with one of your extensions or a conflict. Remember that all sorts of things have been up-dated as well as Firefox.

Along the way make sure your Plug-ins(like Flash) are up-to-date.

Be suspicious of third-party toolbars and try disabling them.

This won't be the specific problem but if you get Firefox going you should try disabling Hardware Acceleration to see if it runs better - Options>Advanced>General>browsing>uncheck "Use Hardware Acceleration . . . If it does run better you should update your graphics card.

This is the standard troubleshooting you may have to work through -

https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting%20extensions%20and%20themes

Another suggestion you may get, certainly when all else fails, is to download a new full Firefox installer to your desktop. Uninstall your old Firefox, don't delete your preferences etc; and then install your new Firefox.

Hi alan_r, Thank you for taking all the time to help. I tried all your suggestions and none worked. I am seriously thinking of re-installing my OS. I just recently found a couple of other quirks that are making me think. A clean registry might be the best (if most time consuming) solution. Thanks again.