![Diane Poremsky [Outlook MVP]](http://www.outlook-tips.net/images/2014/MVP_BlueOnly.png)
Another week, another problem with Outlook and Windows 10. This time only 32-bit versions of Office 2010, plus Outlook 2007, and Outlook 2003 are affected.
The problem: Clicking links in email open a file browser dialog titled Locate Link Browser when Internet Explorer is set as default. When Edge, Chrome, or other browsers are set as default, links work fine; only Internet Explorer has a problem opening links.
If the error message references 'restrictions in effect' or 'organization's policies are preventing', see Tip 540: Operation Cancelled Due to Restrictions for the solution.
Users of Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2007 will see the following choose application dialog. Clicking in the Always use this app box will not stick; the dialog comes up each time you click a link.
While Outlook 2003 users will see the Locate link Browser dialog.
The fix: add the following value to the registry. You'll need to create both the opennew and command keys then add the url to the default value. (It's the same value found in the open\command key)
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\htmlfile\shell\opennew\command
Default value: "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" %1
If you'd rather not edit the registry, you can use this ready-to-use .reg file. Just download and double click to Run. (If the file extension was changed to .txt, you'll need change the extension to .reg.) opennew.reg
Published September 8, 2015. Last updated on November 11, 2017.
Thanks - amazing. Spent hours on other suggestions and this simple.reg fixed it instantly
I guess, the htmlfile works only if you use Explorer. As I am using Chrome, I have replaced (as admin) the Default String from htmlfile to ChromeHTML and it works perfectly since!
Here's what worked for me in Outlook 2010: I went into Win-10 settingsupdate & securitytroubleshootprogram compatibility troubleshooter, and then selected Outlook and ran the troubleshooter. It identified a problem and gave me two options. The first one didn't work but the second one did. The troubleshooter went into Outlook and repaired the glitch. I can now open hyperlinks in Outlook.
Thank you very much Dandy Don! The fix you suggested worked for me right away.
Links in my outlook will not open and I receive the following message:
“This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator”
I’m not using Explorer but EDGE
EDGE 40.15063.674.0
MS Office 2007
Windows 10Pro version 1703
The steps to fix it for IE aren't working with edge? I'll check with support. (Outlook uses some of the internet options with HTML mail.)
This fix did not work for me. Links in my emails in Outlook 2003, running on Windows 10, still would not work. Every link I clicked, I kept getting the error message, "This operation has been canceled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator." However, I did manage to fix the problem. I am posting the fix, along with screen shots, in a web page. Meanwhile, here's how I fixed the problem: THE PROBLEM: In Windows 10, You open an email in Outlook 2003. You click on a hyperlink in the email, and get… Read more »
I had the solution for that issue posted at https://www.outlook-tips.net/tips/tip-540-operation-cancelled-due-to-restrictions/
To Al Swilling:
Before finding your post I spent at least four hours searching for a solution and trying and retrying suggested fixes. All to no avail. Your fix worked like a charm the first time. I can't thank you enough for sharing it!!
I also want to commend you for presenting your solution in seven numbered steps, each of which was clearly worded.
Again, thank you very much!
Jim Knight
You my friend are a star. I've been struggling with this for ages.
Thanks!!! I have been going crazy looking at so many different solutions to this problem that did not work until this one. I do not know how you figured it out, but thank you so much for sharing!
Dear Al Swilling, I realise I'm a bit late to the party on this one, BUT... I can't thank you enough for this clear solution: I've lost track of exactly how long this has been annoying the whatsit out of me now but it must be years. Googled all the answers about it being a result of installing Chrome etc etc and nothing worked (clearly I gave up before coming across your solution, that's how long it's been!). I had to resort to forwarding all emails with hyperlinks to my wife's gmail account and actioning them from there. While gritting… Read more »