problem with shortcut

hi... i have a slight problem that i'd like to find help for. there is this shortcut i have on my computer that won't delete bacuase the file is no longer present ( i deleted it a long time ago). what can i do to delete the shortcut?

(it says "could not find this item... this is no longer located in C:UsersVistaAppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent")

Hello toyboxmonster,
For your future reference only. when you create a shortcut, the file/program from which the shortsut launches is the "source". Meaning, in layman terms, when a shortcut is activated, the system goes find the source. If you moved it or worst removed it, the system will go crazy trying to find it. That applies to deleting the shortcut. The system cannot find the source, thus can't execute delete command.
The only thing I can suggest, AND DON'T HOLD ME TO THAT, is to re-install that file, delete the shortcut, then the file again. Meanwhile I'll go search for a concrete solution. If I find one, I'll come back to tell you.

Hello toyboxmonster,
Not sure if this will help. It's called " Take Ownership of An Item ". After you have that installed, right at the shortcut, click Take Ownership, then proceed to delete. Let me know if this help. Link below : --

Context Menu - Take Ownership

Hello toyboxmonster,

Welcome!

I would try the take ownership idea first. If that doesn't work, I would try a quick reboot. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. (Task Manager). On the processes tab, highlight 'explorer.exe' then hit the end process button on the bottom left. Everything on your desktop will vanish (don't panic). Next go the the Applications tab, click the New task button. Type in "explorer.exe" (no quotes) and click OK. Your desktop will return, hopefully without the troublesome shortcut.

Hope it works,
Gary