Use a batch file to open the URL in IE, or if you want to get "creative", you can always create your own protocol like "iehttp:" as shown in the following. Then, edit the shortcut to use iehttp: ...
To hide a folder, create the folder, right-click it, select "Properties," enable "Hidden," and choose Apply > OK. Create a shortcut to the folder, right-click it, select "Properties," click "Shortcut ...