Without knowing what the actual batch file contains that the shortcuts are pointing to, it's difficult to say. Are the batch files intended to interact with the Microsoft office applications like some type of external macro or do they map network drives, or network printers to be used with the office products. When you say "the shortcuts won't function anymore" that doesn't tell us much. Do they produce an error, do you see a command window open and close, can you go directly to the batch file and double click and avoid the shortcuts, does that work? Not sure what simply opening word or powerpoint would have to do with external unrelated batch file execution. So if you could perhaps shed some light on exactly what these batch files do maybe someone would be able to help. If they are somehow tied to an office product like word, perhaps you might check the security settings under tools -> macros -> security.