Hyperlinks disabled in Outlook 2007

[Brian Tillman [MVP - Outlook]]

I've installed SP2 on MSO2007, in WinXP, SP3. The "blockedhttp" thing,
complete with warning box asking if I want to continue, and then "Access
Denied" when I do, is still there. Doesn't happen on all things (which
makes
no sense, and doesn't appear to be predictable. As an example, I get
newsletters from a lot of places. Mostly, they are blocked, EVEN THE ONES
FROM MICROSOFT. Yes, the are in my "safe lists".
Now what?

The Safe Senders list deals only with the Junk E-mail filter and I don't
believe the Junk E-mail filter is responsible for the BLOCKED attribute.

The only time I ever saw this problem I was able to address it with the
automatic download settings as described in the Microsoft KB article mentioned
in http://www.slipstick.com/mail1/blocked.htm. I've seen some recent threads
that indicate this approach didn't help, so I'm afraid I don't know what may
be causing it. The only other thing I can suggest is to reset your network
zones to their default settings and try receiving the messages in the Internet
zone instead of the Restricted zone.

 

[Douglas]

I am using Outlook 2003 and having the same issue. However, I discovered
that when viewing the same e-mail using a webmail feature from my e-mail
server it also says "blockedhttp:/..." just as when viewing it as a down
loaded e-mail message. Conclusion, this is bigger than Outlook but I can't
find a solution anywhere.

Some blogs are discussing "blocked::http:/...", which is not the same
problem. I have some hyperlinks that say "blocked::blockedhttp:/..." By
selecting "View In Internet Zone" from the View menu the "blocked::" will go
away. This doesn't effect the "blockedhttp:/...".

Would be nice to see someone from Microsoft speak up here and address a
solution or at least say there is a solution coming.

 

[Diane Poremsky [MVP]]

See http://www.slipstick.com/mail1/blocked.htm.

I believe blockedhttp might be caused by 3rd party security software,
replacing the more common "defang" with blocked
(http://www.slipstick.com/emo/2008/up081016.htm#3)

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]



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[Peter Foldes]

IE8 installed by any chance

--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

 

[Douglas]

I am using Smyantec's Endpoint. However, I have completely disabled the
antivirus software and I still have the problem. I also don't think the spam
software would effect links in a web brouser window.

See http://www.slipstick.com/mail1/blocked.htm.

I believe blockedhttp might be caused by 3rd party security software,
replacing the more common "defang" with blocked
(http://www.slipstick.com/emo/2008/up081016.htm#3)

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]



Outlook Tips by email:
mailto:[email protected]

EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
mailto:[email protected]

You can access this newsgroup by visiting
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newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.

I am using Outlook 2003 and having the same issue. However, I discovered
that when viewing the same e-mail using a webmail feature from my e-mail
server it also says "blockedhttp:/..." just as when viewing it as a down
loaded e-mail message. Conclusion, this is bigger than Outlook but I
can't
find a solution anywhere.

Some blogs are discussing "blocked::http:/...", which is not the same
problem. I have some hyperlinks that say "blocked::blockedhttp:/..." By
selecting "View In Internet Zone" from the View menu the "blocked::" will
go
away. This doesn't effect the "blockedhttp:/...".

Would be nice to see someone from Microsoft speak up here and address a
solution or at least say there is a solution coming.

 

[Douglas]

I upgraded to IE8 after I encountered the problem, thinking it might solve
it. Switching from IE7 to IE8 did not effect what is happening in Outlook.
I don't know if IE7 had the same effect on webmail. Only looked at webmail
with IE8.

 

[JDM]

When this occurs, it's accomanied by a messge box entitled "Microsoft Office
Outlook Security Notice", so I thnk we can assume it's thrown by MSO, not our
AV programs. Second, it only occured AFTER an automatic update a few weeks
back.

It seems that it only happens with HTML formatted messages. THe text-based
newsletters I receive do not have this problem. I changed a couple of
subscriptions to test if it was the addresses. Nope, just the ones (so far)
with HTML and graphics.

Applying SP2 does not keep it from happening.

So, what was in the automatic update that broke the capability to follow the
hyperlinks?


Running MSO2007, w/SP2, and IE8, on WinXP w/SP3
--
JDM

See http://www.slipstick.com/mail1/blocked.htm.

I believe blockedhttp might be caused by 3rd party security software,
replacing the more common "defang" with blocked
(http://www.slipstick.com/emo/2008/up081016.htm#3)

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]



Outlook Tips by email:
mailto:[email protected]

EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
mailto:[email protected]

You can access this newsgroup by visiting
http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx or point your
newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.

I am using Outlook 2003 and having the same issue. However, I discovered
that when viewing the same e-mail using a webmail feature from my e-mail
server it also says "blockedhttp:/..." just as when viewing it as a down
loaded e-mail message. Conclusion, this is bigger than Outlook but I
can't
find a solution anywhere.

Some blogs are discussing "blocked::http:/...", which is not the same
problem. I have some hyperlinks that say "blocked::blockedhttp:/..." By
selecting "View In Internet Zone" from the View menu the "blocked::" will
go
away. This doesn't effect the "blockedhttp:/...".

Would be nice to see someone from Microsoft speak up here and address a
solution or at least say there is a solution coming.

 

[Bolide]

This is not an isolated problem with Outlook 2007. My Outlook 2003 has the
"blockedhttp:....." problem also.
The problem existed:
1. Before installation of IE8, so IE8 cannot be blamed.
2. After an automatic update in April 2009.
3. Has occurred on both XP and Vista machines running Outlook 2003.

We need to start a generic thread on "Blocked Hyperlinks in Outlook" to
better capture the entire community. I am starting one after this note. In
addition, after the problems I experienced with Vista, and now these ongoing
issues, I am considering, for the first time, completely moving away from
Microsoft products.

If anyone from Microsoft is reading -- you have a BIG PROBLEM here with this
issue, as it is affecting BUSINESS and PRODUCTIVITY and there will be future
sales impacted by issues such as this.

Eventually, the people grab pitchforks and light the torches...
Bolide

 

[Greywolf]

I began having the same problem in April. I'm running Office 2003 SP3, and
Windows XP. It is only occurring in emails that are in HTML, including every
email that I send since I was configured to send in HTML. My fix was to send
and view only in plain text. Obviously this is not REALLY a solution, only a
duct tape fix. Businesses will be impacted if they can't send HTML. I'm
much less likely to read plain text without the pretty pictures

Standing by for a solution...cricket, cricket

 

[Diane Poremsky [MVP]]

Does windows security recognize your antivirus software?
What are your security settings for the internet, local, and trusted zones?
(In Control panel, Internet options)
What are your download content settings in Outlook?
Do the links in email work if you view in the internet zone? (View in
Browser option in Outlook)

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]



Outlook Tips by email:
mailto:[email protected]

EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
mailto:[email protected]

You can access this newsgroup by visiting
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newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.

 

[Justin]

We are using Endpoint Security and windows has not complained about
antivirus. This seems to be a slightly isolated issue. Only a few people have
it. Maybe we can work on figuring out what the connections are.

-All default settings for Interet explorer (7 or 8) have been done
-Not limited to browser, Mozilla defaults have had same problem. Issue is
not Internet explorer. Microsoft cannot determine what to open "blockedhttp"
links as. They are normally "http." Resetting default program access does not
fix this.
-Office 2003 and 2007 are both affected. Either it's a similar function, or
likely unrelated. "BLOCKED::" links appear as a result of Outlook blocking.
-Content download settings were all done with no security. Trusted e-mails
put in. The problem is HTML e-mails.
-Internet zone gets rid of the "BLOCKED::" links. but not the "blockedhttp"
links.
-I read somewhere else that upon restarting the computer, the blocked title
is gone temporarily after startup. My guess is a program is blocking it after
startup... Maybe Endpoint?

http://www.symantec.com/connect/forums/blocked-hyperlinks-e-mails

Still no answer there. I do not have access to do the registry adaptations
it lists, but, don't think it will work because the issue it addresses seems
unrelated. If it does, please let me know.

I've also heard AKO stuff floating around. Is the issue limited to AKO
systems?

The issues we agree appear to have happened after an automatic update... But
could have been an update from symantec.

Lets find a common ground, and work from there.

Does windows security recognize your antivirus software?
What are your security settings for the internet, local, and trusted zones?
(In Control panel, Internet options)
What are your download content settings in Outlook?
Do the links in email work if you view in the internet zone? (View in
Browser option in Outlook)

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]



Outlook Tips by email:
mailto:[email protected]

EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
mailto:[email protected]

You can access this newsgroup by visiting
http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx or point your
newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.

I began having the same problem in April. I'm running Office 2003 SP3,
and
Windows XP. It is only occurring in emails that are in HTML, including
every
email that I send since I was configured to send in HTML. My fix was to
send
and view only in plain text. Obviously this is not REALLY a solution,
only a
duct tape fix. Businesses will be impacted if they can't send HTML. I'm
much less likely to read plain text without the pretty pictures

Standing by for a solution...cricket, cricket

 

[Justin]

When I said "we" i meant our company. When I referred to only a few people, I
meant the internet. So far, only one person I know within the company is
having the problem. I'm concerned it's a virus or spyware.

We are using Endpoint Security and windows has not complained about
antivirus. This seems to be a slightly isolated issue. Only a few people have
it. Maybe we can work on figuring out what the connections are.

-All default settings for Interet explorer (7 or 8) have been done
-Not limited to browser, Mozilla defaults have had same problem. Issue is
not Internet explorer. Microsoft cannot determine what to open "blockedhttp"
links as. They are normally "http." Resetting default program access does not
fix this.
-Office 2003 and 2007 are both affected. Either it's a similar function, or
likely unrelated. "BLOCKED::" links appear as a result of Outlook blocking.
-Content download settings were all done with no security. Trusted e-mails
put in. The problem is HTML e-mails.
-Internet zone gets rid of the "BLOCKED::" links. but not the "blockedhttp"
links.
-I read somewhere else that upon restarting the computer, the blocked title
is gone temporarily after startup. My guess is a program is blocking it after
startup... Maybe Endpoint?

http://www.symantec.com/connect/forums/blocked-hyperlinks-e-mails

Still no answer there. I do not have access to do the registry adaptations
it lists, but, don't think it will work because the issue it addresses seems
unrelated. If it does, please let me know.

I've also heard AKO stuff floating around. Is the issue limited to AKO
systems?

The issues we agree appear to have happened after an automatic update... But
could have been an update from symantec.

Lets find a common ground, and work from there.

Does windows security recognize your antivirus software?
What are your security settings for the internet, local, and trusted zones?
(In Control panel, Internet options)
What are your download content settings in Outlook?
Do the links in email work if you view in the internet zone? (View in
Browser option in Outlook)

--
Diane Poremsky [MVP - Outlook]



Outlook Tips by email:
mailto:[email protected]

EMO - a weekly newsletter about Outlook and Exchange:
mailto:[email protected]

You can access this newsgroup by visiting
http://www.microsoft.com/office/community/en-us/default.mspx or point your
newsreader to msnews.microsoft.com.

I began having the same problem in April. I'm running Office 2003 SP3,
and
Windows XP. It is only occurring in emails that are in HTML, including
every
email that I send since I was configured to send in HTML. My fix was to
send
and view only in plain text. Obviously this is not REALLY a solution,
only a
duct tape fix. Businesses will be impacted if they can't send HTML. I'm
much less likely to read plain text without the pretty pictures

Standing by for a solution...cricket, cricket

:

This is not an isolated problem with Outlook 2007. My Outlook 2003 has
the
"blockedhttp:....." problem also.
The problem existed:
1. Before installation of IE8, so IE8 cannot be blamed.
2. After an automatic update in April 2009.
3. Has occurred on both XP and Vista machines running Outlook 2003.

We need to start a generic thread on "Blocked Hyperlinks in Outlook" to
better capture the entire community. I am starting one after this note.
In
addition, after the problems I experienced with Vista, and now these
ongoing
issues, I am considering, for the first time, completely moving away from
Microsoft products.

If anyone from Microsoft is reading -- you have a BIG PROBLEM here with
this
issue, as it is affecting BUSINESS and PRODUCTIVITY and there will be
future
sales impacted by issues such as this.

Eventually, the people grab pitchforks and light the torches...
Bolide

:

I have always been able to use hyperlinks in emails with Outlook 2007.
After
a recent Windows automatic update, I can't use hyperlinks. When I
click on a
link in an email I get a Microsoft Office Outlook Security Notice with
the
message "Microsoft Office has detected a potential security concern.
This
location may be unsafe". It continues with the web address, and it
puts the
word "blocked" in front of the hyperlink. It gives me the option of
"Do you
want to continue?". When I select "Yes", I get a Microsoft Office
Outlook
popup window that says "Access is denied".

I have verified that I have all the latest patches (KB941275), I have
reset
IE to default settings, I have checked all security settings in
Outlook, but
nothing works. How can I fix this?

Lenae

 

[Greywolf]

Yesterday I installed Mozilla Thunderbird to manage email in place of Outlook
in an attempt to circumvent the dreaded "blockedhttp". Guess what? It's
still there.

This tells me of course that it is not Outlook creating the problem, but
something else on my system.

Not sure where to go from here. Does anyone have any ideas since this is
not just an Outlook issue?

 

[Justin]

you don't happen to have endpoint do you?

 

[Greywolf]

I don't think so, but I am running Symantec Client Firewall.

One other possibility occurred to me. Since I'm using my U.S. Army email
account, all of my email is routed through their server. They just recently
began stripping all file attachments with the following extensions:

..ace, .ad, .ade, .adp, .asp, .b64, .bas, .bat, .bhx, .ceo, .ce0, .chm, .com,
..cmd, .cpl, .crt, .dbx, .dll, .dot, .eml, .exe,
..hlp, .hqx, .hta, .inf, .ins, .js, .jse, .lnk, .mdb, .mde, .mim, .msi,
..msp, .nch, .ocx, .pi, .pif, .rar, .reg, .scr, .sct, .shb, .shs, .upx,
..uue, .uu, .vbe, .vbs, .vss, .vst, .vsw, .wmi, .ws, .wsc, .wsf,
..wsh, .xxe, and .zip.

Although the problem I'm having has to do with hyperlinks in HTML messages,
I'm wondering if the blocking of these could be related to the new Army
security measures.

 

[Justin]

That is a good possibility. I was just wondering if that would be the
problem. But I can't tell because no one else has said it's been an army
problem. So... I guess call their tech support? Is everyone else having the
problem on an army system? The weird thing is... it seems so isolated with
the cases. But I'm not sure. I'll try calling to day and seein' what's come
about with it.

 

[Justin]

Alright, so I called AKO, and they said that they did block HTML e-mails.
It's per the army. That was about a month or so ago. So there's the root of
the issue. If you're using AKO e-mail... that's the problem

 

[redlegchevy]

If AKO is the problem, why can I open the links from my Ebay search reminders
via my Palm Treo and the AKO web interface just fine but they still refuse to
open on my desktop running Vista w/Office 2007 running Symantec Endpoint and
my XP laptop running XP and Office 2003 with no virus protection (I like to
live dangerously). They all go through pop.us.army.mil. My HTML mail from
Military.com's news work just fine on every machine.
My computer at work is a Smarterm running 2003. It opens a new window, but
I still have the blockedhttp:// in the address bar. I just have to delete
the blocked.

 

[JDM]

I'm still having this same problem. Goes across all of my accounts, of which
AKO is one. Some text based messages are okay. Some not. No HTML based
messages work. Doesn't seem to matter what zone I put them in.

The problem seems to have started when that patch from couple of months back
came out. Will someone at MS please look at what that patch changed (as has
been requested? I've been out of the development game for a while but I can
work my way through a scenario like: 1. Outlook was fine. 2. Applied a
"fix". 3. Now Outlook is not fine. Gee, I wonder what the problem is?
Let's go blame it on something that did not change. Sorry. That doesn't fly.

No wonder I'm spending more and more time using freeware packages on my Mac.

 

[Ande Weathers]

Using Outlook 2007. My error says "This operation has been canceled due to
restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact syatem admin." I am
the system admin. In association with my network consultant, we have reset
every security setting in IE, Outlook, Exchange, etc. Problem still
persists. Upgraded to IE 8 hoping that would sort it out. No dice.

My problem also started mid-April and I can only assume it was related to
the same patch mentioned already in the post.

No hyperlink from any email message will open from Outlook, but the same
messages will open if I forward them to a webmail app through IE - using the
same PC.

No other user on my network encounteres this problem. I am quite certain
the issue is within my Outlook.