Error on clicking on links in Outlook
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Sometimes it so happens that when you click on any Hyperlink in an Outlook email, you get an error message which goes like this:
This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator.
This error is actually not an Outlook error. Your Outlook configuration is alright, but you need to go and fix something outside Outlook to get this working. This error occurs when a specific part of the Windows Registry related to Internet Explorer settings is corrupted or missing. This can happen if you upgraded the version of your IE.
There are a couple of approaches you can take to resolve this:
Try the simple way first
Instead of diving into the registry right away, we can try and reset the settings in Internet Explorer. Depending on the version of your IE, there are different steps for this.
Internet Explorer 6
- After running IE, go to the Tools menu and click Internet Options.
- Click on the Programs tab and then click the Reset Web Settings button.
- Under Internet programs, verify that the correct e-mail program is selected.
- Select the “Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser” check box.
- Click Apply, and then click OK.
Internet Explorer 7
- After running IE, go to the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
- Go to the Advanced tab, and then click Reset.
- Go to the Programs tab, and then click Set programs.
- Click Set Default Programs.
- Click to select Microsoft Outlook, and then click Set this program as default, and click OK, and then close the Default Programs dialog box.
- On the Programs tab, click Make default under Default web browser and click OK.
Now, this may or may not work to resolve your issue. If your problem still persists, then read on.
Fixing the Registry Key
The registry key in question is the following:
HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Classes\htmlfile\shell\open\command
Disclaimer: This solution will require you to manipulate the Windows Registry, and you must proceed with extreme caution. Any corruption of the registry may render the Windows installation unusable. Always backup your registry (follow instructions here to do so).
To fix this, you need to export this key from another computer, and then import it into your own registry. Before you proceed, I have exported this key from my computer and made it available for download. If you trust this site (no reason for why you shouldn’t) then you can download the key and use that (it will save you the hassle of exporting). Here’s the download:
. It’s a zip file, with the key file inside.
In case you prefer to export your own key, read on. If you are using the key above, then skip the next section.
Exporting the registry key
- Click Start, and then click Run.
- In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
- Locate the following registry key: HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Classes\htmlfile\shell\open\command
- Click the command folder.
- On the File or Registry menu (depending on your operating system), click Export.
- Note the location of where the file will be saved. The registry file can be saved directly to the hard drive or floppy disk.
- Type a unique file name, and then click Save.
- Quit the Registry Editor.
Importing the registry key
To import the registry key, you have to carry out two very simple steps:
- Copy the .reg file to a location on your computer (either the one you exported or the one you downloaded from the link above).
- Double-click the .reg file and confirm the action by clicking yes on the ensuing dialog box.
That’s it, you are done. This should have fixed your problem. If the problem still persists, then please let us know. We will do our best to help you resolve it.
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