Can't open links in emails (OE)

sueleah · 07-08-2005, 08:55 AM

When I receive an email with a link, when I click on it to take me to the web site, nothing happens - I just can't open them. E.G: when registering for this forum, I had to type into my browser the whole web address and following letters and numbers in order to validate my account !

I am using Windows 98 on an old computer (I've already posted a thread about it freezing so don't know if it's linked ?) and Outlook Express.

Is there anything I can do ?
PS: simple language please !

pelvis_3 · 07-08-2005, 08:04 AM

thats a wierd problem, as ive read the other thread you posted i think basically your Win98 OS installation is STUFFED, i think the best thing would be to just re-install your OS!
anyone else?

ThePenguinCometh · 07-08-2005, 09:10 AM

It sounds like your file associations are messed up. When you click on a link the OS will have the URL you clicked assocoated with a particular program and it open that program with the link as an arguement. It is possible to manually edit the associations on the Windows Explorer with Tools -> Folder Options -> File Type tab and find the appropriate association but that's fairly advanced stuff. A simpler way is to reinstall your browser (or scrap IE entirely if your still using it and go with Firefox), that should automatically repair your associations. Of course that's assuming your PC isn't on the way out generally in which case simply re-installing your browser is a waste of time.

sueleah · 08-08-2005, 11:57 AM

Thanks again. Lots to think about, but I think you're right, this computer is about 6 - 7 yrs old now, way out of date by todays standards, but sadly no (financial) means of replacing it at the moment. Would love to have one of those modern flat ones !

Going to try putting all my files onto a CD (borrowing a CD writer) and then re-installing the whole thing as has been suggested on here. I have 2 nephews who work with servers and desktop stuff and they are going to try and get up here soon to help me get this sorted. Thanks again !

pelvis_3 · 08-08-2005, 12:35 PM

Good luck with everything!

07-08-2005, 08:55 AM	#1 (permalink) Top
sueleah Geek Trainee Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Status: Offline	Can't open links in emails (OE) When I receive an email with a link, when I click on it to take me to the web site, nothing happens - I just can't open them. E.G: when registering for this forum, I had to type into my browser the whole web address and following letters and numbers in order to validate my account ! I am using Windows 98 on an old computer (I've already posted a thread about it freezing so don't know if it's linked ?) and Outlook Express. Is there anything I can do ? PS: simple language please !

07-08-2005, 08:04 AM	#2 (permalink) Top
pelvis_3 HWF Member For Life Join Date: Jul 2005 Age: 22 Male Posts: 2,336 Times Helpful: 265 My Mood: Happy Status: Offline My Computer	thats a wierd problem, as ive read the other thread you posted i think basically your Win98 OS installation is STUFFED, i think the best thing would be to just re-install your OS! anyone else? __________________ Adopt an unanswered thread. \| Who's Online \| vB Code Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them! Support bacteria, it's the only culture some people have!

07-08-2005, 09:10 AM	#3 (permalink) Top
ThePenguinCometh There is no escape Join Date: May 2005 Age: 33 Male Posts: 425 Times Helpful: 50 Status: Offline	It sounds like your file associations are messed up. When you click on a link the OS will have the URL you clicked assocoated with a particular program and it open that program with the link as an arguement. It is possible to manually edit the associations on the Windows Explorer with Tools -> Folder Options -> File Type tab and find the appropriate association but that's fairly advanced stuff. A simpler way is to reinstall your browser (or scrap IE entirely if your still using it and go with Firefox), that should automatically repair your associations. Of course that's assuming your PC isn't on the way out generally in which case simply re-installing your browser is a waste of time. __________________ Insomnia - it's not a condition, it's a mentality. Registered Linux user: 388693. Registered Linux machines: 289172, 289173, 296291, 296293, 296294, 296869. Geek score: 34.714% - Total Geek Hacker key: v2sw5+8C+JGhw5ln4/5pr6/7Ock1ma6/8l6+8Sw3+2e4t2b9Hen4+6g5+3RHaIr9

08-08-2005, 12:35 PM	#5 (permalink) Top
pelvis_3 HWF Member For Life Join Date: Jul 2005 Age: 22 Male Posts: 2,336 Times Helpful: 265 My Mood: Happy Status: Offline My Computer	Good luck with everything! __________________ Adopt an unanswered thread. \| Who's Online \| vB Code Some people are alive only because it’s illegal to kill them! Support bacteria, it's the only culture some people have!

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08-08-2005, 11:57 AM	#4 (permalink) Top
sueleah Geek Trainee Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 Status: Offline	Thanks again. Lots to think about, but I think you're right, this computer is about 6 - 7 yrs old now, way out of date by todays standards, but sadly no (financial) means of replacing it at the moment. Would love to have one of those modern flat ones ! Going to try putting all my files onto a CD (borrowing a CD writer) and then re-installing the whole thing as has been suggested on here. I have 2 nephews who work with servers and desktop stuff and they are going to try and get up here soon to help me get this sorted. Thanks again !

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