How can I enable a program to open in its own window and be expanded from the menu?

I have a few links that I visit frequently and have added them successfully on the menu, however, when I open a link it grabs the open window.

This behavior has nothing to do with NextSTART or WorkShelf. However, I believe you are talking about Internet Explorer, so:

1- Open the Tools sub-menu at the top.
2 - Click on 'Internet Options'
3 - Click on the 'Advanced' tab.
4 - In the Browsing section, unselect the 'Reuse windows for launching shortcuts' option.
5 - Click on the Ok button.

That should do the trick,

Geez ... should had that one.

Thanks for your time.