Ok.  Now that I'm done with that . . . I've no idea.  Sorry.

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. 

The computer is an off the shelf Gateway, about 3 years old now, so you know it didn't come with any disks.  The only thing I use in it is Word for making the weekly grocery shopping list. 

I find that I spend more time maintaining the computer and running scans than actually using it.  Ahhhh, the life of a senior citizen. 

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

And you have your backups?

(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.

You might try r-clicking on the .exe and select Troubleshoot compatibility. Let it use the recommended settings first and it it still fails try launching  again with a different compatibility setting. (Win7, Vista SP2, etc.)

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.

What are you using Works for?

With Open Office and Google Docs available, I would personally just lose Works. 

You may want to check the launcher.exe properties and then each of the asscociated programs and make sure none of them have been reset to 'read only'. I had this happen on my STep-sons pc and that was the issue. However, I think he had an older version of Works than you do,

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. 

That is not always a correct answer.

Unless a system comes with an option to create the install media then simply backing up the application folder will not allow you to simply put it back and have it work. You know that installs write files to all kinds of locations, register dll's, make registry entries etc. If any of those get hosed you are screwed without the install media.

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. 

Cameochi, if I were doing more than just the weekly grocery shopping list I would not doubt consider it. 

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

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

Hi yarg, hey it came with the computer, what can I say.  I didn't think about booting into safe mode.  I will do that tomorrow and post back on the results. 

Oh and thanks for replying yarg. 

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. 

Avasts latest 2 updates turned on the Sandbox both times and has been denying everything or rerouting to the sandbox until I figured out what the issue was.

The use Google Docs. You can uninstall Works and have the extra room on your hard drive and you can back up/save any docs you create in Google Docs in Dropbox or something similar. You can even view Google Docs offline, on your iphone/droid through the internet, or even have dropbox on your phone and use the phones office app (Which I love. I can open all my important stuff from Dropbox wherever and whenever I need it). Unless your married to Works, it may be the way to go if you're not using 'office' apps enough to have a whole suite installed on your laptop.

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.

Just to make sure you all understand, it's the .exe for Works Task Launcher that isn't working, I can still double click on the .exe for the individual programs and they open.  So all I have to do is make shortcuts for them. 

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.