Member Avatar for sandyweb33

I'm using Windows XP Professional, IE 6. When using Hotmail, I can't open any links within the emails. Help!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by dangermouse75

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Good detective work by , and pointing to third‑party interference. The following is a short, safe checklist (ordered from least to more invasive) that isolates whether the problem is Internet Explorer, Windows file associations, an add‑on/toolbar/service, or corrupted system files, and gives the common repairs that avoid uninstalling security software unless absolutely necessary. (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick, non‑destructive checks: test a different browser (portable Firefox/Chrome) — if links work there, IE or Windows associations are likely at fault. In IE: Tools → Internet Options → Programs → Make default. Then check Explorer → Tools → Folder Options → File Types → URL:HyperText Transfer Protocol → Advanced → Edit — the command should point to the IE executable (for XP-era installs: "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -nohome). If associations look wrong or the links still fail, re‑register core IE components from an elevated command prompt (run each line, press Enter):

regsvr32 urlmon.dll
regsvr32 mshtml.dll
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 browseui.dll
regsvr32 msjava.dll

These steps are the standard Microsoft repair sequence for hyperlinks that do nothing. (learn.microsoft.com)

If that does not help, start Internet Explorer in "No Add‑ons" mode and test. Use a Clean Boot (msconfig selective startup, hide Microsoft services, disable startup items) or boot Safe Mode with Networking to see whether a third‑party service, toolbar, or firewall/pop‑up blocker is the cause — this lets the offending program be identified without uninstalling everything. After testing, return the machine to normal startup. (learn.microsoft.com)

Advanced options: create a new Windows user to rule out profile corruption; run System Restore to a point before the fault; run an up‑to‑date anti‑malware scan; and, if core system files are damaged, consider running SFC or an in‑place repair of Windows. Back up the registry and personal files before any registry edits or repair installs. If a specific security product is implicated, check its support documentation or contact the vendor for a supported configuration change rather than immediate removal. (learn.microsoft.com)

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All 17 Replies

Member Avatar for dlh6213

There have been a lot of different problems being reported about Hotmail lately, I had the one you're referring to myself last week. I think it's because Hotmail is busy upgrading their service. It should resolve itself in a few days; till then, you can copy the link and paste it into your browser.

Member Avatar for sandyweb33

I hope you're right. This has been getting increasing worse for several wks until 3 days ago when I was/am unable to open any links in Hotmail email. I think there is something wrong with my computer.

Member Avatar for caperjack

time to look for google mail ,still in bata but you get 100mgs storage space and It seems to work ok for me .

Member Avatar for sandyweb33

Thanks, I might do that. I'm giving Hotmail support a wk to get back to me then I will find another email program. Problem is I've had this address for yrs!

Member Avatar for caperjack

Thanks, I might do that. I'm giving Hotmail support a wk to get back to me then I will find another email program. Problem is I've had this address for yrs!

Yeah I know what you mean I have a hotmail acct that goes back to 1997,but it works just fine i think .don't use it much except to but in where a email address is needed .

Member Avatar for CraZ

I have a gmail account myself and works very well. A couple of glitches but nothing big. And actually the storage limit is 1GB not 100MB, and its free !!! :)

Member Avatar for sandyweb33

:lol: Ok, just wanted to report why it was that I couldn't open links in my hotmail. After the 3rd Sony tech, we figured out it was my virus protection program. After I uninstalled Norton all my hotmail email links opened right up! So I am using MacAfee now with no problem. Thanks for your support. Sandy :lol:

Member Avatar for dlh6213

Did you happen to find out why/how Norton was keeping you from opening links in Hotmail?

Member Avatar for sandyweb33

Did you happen to find out why/how Norton was keeping you from opening links in Hotmail?

I was told it was Norton's firewall.

Member Avatar for Celticbhoy

The problem you are on about is with norton firewall but you dont need to un-install it just disable the ad-blocking and pop up window blocking feature within the firewall and that lets you open links in youre emails within hotmail!
Also i recommend installing ad-aware since you have disabled this feature.
Hope this helps before any1 else does anything drastic :D

Member Avatar for hurbel

I'm having the same problem. Unable to open links via hotmail. I disabled Norton firewall and installed Ad aware and I'm still unable to get the links? Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help. :lol:

thank you

Member Avatar for sandyweb33

I'm having the same problem. Unable to open links via hotmail. I disabled Norton firewall and installed Ad aware and I'm still unable to get the links? Does anyone have any suggestions? Please help. :lol:

thank you

I'm now using MacAfee and haven't had any more problems. I guess you can call Norton and find out what else to do? good luck, Sandy

Member Avatar for hurbel

Actually, I went home and disabled Norton Firewall again. Disabled ad-blocking and pop up window blocking feature within the firewall and voila it worked. Then went back in and enable the firewall. Also added Ad-aware.

System is up and running.

Thanks everyone :cool:

Member Avatar for epsos

i have a gmail account aswell and its 1gb not 100mb n its completely free but u can only get an invitation

Member Avatar for Celticbhoy

I see the post was read wrong in first place u dont disable firewall just the ad-blocking & pop up window blocking feature within it ..... but good to see you got it sorted in the end :cool:

Member Avatar for jamesmc74

Actually, I went home and disabled Norton Firewall again. Disabled ad-blocking and pop up window blocking feature within the firewall and voila it worked. Then went back in and enable the firewall. Also added Ad-aware.

System is up and running.

Thanks everyone :cool:

Yea. Its Norton Ad blocker/Popup blocker. You could have Web Assistant toolbar (right click on any empty space on toolbar and click on web assist) on and just disable popup blocking for hotmail. That way popup blocking is still on for all of the web until you allow it for specific sites.

Member Avatar for dangermouse75

Great tip. Thanks a lot

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