links, updating, and searching

ok, theres soemthing wrong with my computer, and heres the problem. i cant open certain links. the links that open up other windows i can't open them. and i cant go to Start>Search>For Files or Folders... instead i have to open up folder and click search at the top of teh window. and it wont let me do a windows update. ill click on the update link, and nothing happends. anyone got any suggestions BESIDES FORMATTING