If you right-click the shortcut icon, choose Properties > Shortcut tab > Advanced button, is "Run as administrator" checked? If so, try unchecking it and see whether that helps.

No it was not checked.

Could you try switching the following setting and see whether it makes any difference?

orange Firefox button or classic Tools menu > Options > Advanced

On the little Update tab > "Use a background service to install updates"

Tried it both ways. Didn't get it. Please don't give up.

I forgot there is another place to look in the shortcut properties. Please see cor-el's solution here: Firefox will not open without User Account Control asking if I will allow it to make changes on my computer. Does that work?

I marked it as helpful and that problem is kind of solved. No more user control pop up. Unfortunately when I click the icon it does nothing, it won't open a window.

I'm sorry, are you saying that your Firefox icon is now completely nonfunctional?

Does Firefox start from a web shortcut (if you happen to have any handy)?

Does Firefox start if you click the Start menu "orb" and type firefox.exe in the search box and press Enter?

I get no response on the type in at the Start "orb" I have a open a new window spot on an open web page that works, but that requires having a window open. If I lose my open window.. i don't know what then.

Sounds like in the short run it's better to live with the annoying prompt...

Did this just happen when changing from Firefox 12 to Firefox 13, or did you move up from Firefox 3.6?

just d/l Ffox 13. Don't know what 3.6 is. I tried all the things you suggested and the suggestion you pointed out from cor-el, and you guys eliminated the prompt from hell. As for the icon not working, I tried as a last resort to re-start. Guess what???? i"m back in the saddle again. jscher2000 thank you very much for your patience and perseverance and all them other good accolades.

Whoops, I had mistakenly assumed this was an upgrade related issue because that's 99% of what I've seen today. Hope you enjoy Firefox from here on out!