Category: Geeks r Us
Hi all
Clicking on a link within an email has never worked for me. Up until recently that has not really bothered me. But lately I've dealt with a couple companies who insist that the only way to confirm something is to click on the link. Is there a technique to make this feature work? I use Outlook.
Thanks for any help.
I haven't used an e-mail client in years, since I use the webmail off of GMail, and when I did use one, it was Outlook Express. But there's probably an option to make links in e-mails active. You could try simply copying the link to the clipboard and then pasting it in your browser. My other suggestion would be to use the webmail from your mail provider, if they have it, to deal with the specific messages that are giving you trouble. You could also go to
http://www.mail2web.com
enter your address and password and do it from there.
In outlook you need to view messages as html, it is somewhere within the Outlook Options, you probably view them as text, in which case the active html content is not active.
You should still be able to copy and paste the link in the email to the clipboard, open your web browser and the open dialog, and paste the link in there and hit enter.
Dig arond a little and if you are still having problems, post back and I'll see if I can find the specific settings within outlook.
I also find that sometime it works better to use your arrow keys to move the cursor into the link text a few characters before you hit enter, that often activates the link.
Cheers
-B
OK, so I've now tried copying and pasting the link into my web browser, and that did not work. I just tried using my arrow keys to go further into the link before entering. That also did not work. So I guess my next option will be to try to enable HTML. I have no clue how to do that and am not sure it will be worth the trouble, as there is probably a good reason I don't have it enabled now. LOL
But thanks for the suggestions so far.
Their are security setting in outlook that cause this, or they could be in your virus protection program. I'll post the security settings for outlook shortly. It is their to keep you from clicking on bad links, but you should be able to cut and paste them.
No I was wrong. I went to look and a swear I saw a setting for links, but nope. So here is a page that suggest fixes. Depending on how techie you are you might just simply call Microsoft and get them to fix it for you. Here you go anyway. I also didn't know the version of Outlook you have.
http://www.timeatlas.com/5_Minute_Tips/Annoyances/Outlook_Hyperlinks_Fail_to_Work
Last for to night, because this has me intrigued. Smile. Add the people you want links to work as trusted contacts. To do that go to the email, do not open it. Hit the applications key then arrow up to junk mail options. Right arrow then go down and add them to a safe senders list. Now your links should hopefully work. Try repairing Outlook as well. Maybe some of the files are missing. These are easier steps then the post before this one.
hey becky, so ya, in your outlook options, there is a setting for HTML, it's really not that much of a hassel to change it.
If you would like a little help let me know and I'll be glad to help you.
hugs, Bryan
I just need a hint about where to find that option. I've looked in tools and options and don't see anything about HTML.
I have used outlook with plain text, or HTML so I don't think that is the issue. Also right now I'm using 07 and don't see the option, but have noted it on older versions. but can't hurt. I don't remember where it is though.
Here is something to thank about, leave that pc cursor for a sec and use your mouse cursor. We jaws users call it the jaws cursor, move your jaws cursor to the link and left click it twice. If you do not know the mouse keys post back and I will tell you what they are becky.
Thanks for the suggestion, but I have done this, and it does not work. I've resigned myself to the fact that links within emails are useless to me. LOL
Hi.
The instructions that i am going to give work under outlook 2003 and previous versions but i am not sure about outlook 2007.
You go to tools, options.
You press tab untill you find email options button.
After activating this button you press tab untill you find read all standart mail in plain text. If it is checked uncheck it with space and then press ok to apply the option.
Hope it helps.
Hi Nikos
Thank you for your instructions. I did all the steps, and that box was already unchecked, so I left it alone. Thanks for trying to help anyway.
That is just odd, odd I have never seen this problem. Don't worry I am not doubting your word just now I am out of ideas.
Hi Becky.
It's very strange why links don't work with your outlook.
Perhaps if you didn't try already you could try pressing insert+f7 to bring up the list of links and if the list come up press enter on a link and see if it works.
Hope it helps
This probably wouldn't help if nothing else has, but maybe try hitting the applications key on the text of the link, or right clicking with the Jaws cursor. Like I said though, it probably wouldn't help much if nothing else has.