Unable to open this internet shortcut the protocol HTTP does not have a registered program

When clicking on a desktop shortcut on a new Windows user profile I got the error message
"Unable to open this internet shortcut the protocol HTTP does not have a registered program"

fix:

• Click on Control Panel - Default Programs.
• Set your Default Programs - select the Internet Explorer to open http.  
• 'Set this program as default' or 'Choose defaults for this program' and then select HTTP under Protocols.