Hyperlinks in Email

[stephen.stone \(removeit\)]

I am running XP Home Edition. When I click on a hyperlink
in an email message, I get a "This operation was cancelled
due to restrictions on this computer. Please contact your
system administrator."

What settings do I change to permit opening hyperlinks
from email messages?

What risks I am exposing my system to by loosening
security restrictions?

 

[Len Segal]

Stephen,

We have no way of guessing what Email program you are using, so we can't
tell you exactly how to disable this feature.

Basically, if you go to "Options" or "Preferences" in your Email program you
should find a security tab and you can enable/disable whatever you want.

However, you really need to understand what the risks are in opening links
or attachments if you are not 100% SURE that they are harmless!

When you click on a link, you are going to a website that might be running
spyware "behind the screen", you might be executing a program that could
contain a virus, etc.

The feature you are complaining about was put in place to protect us from
ourselves. Making an "informed decision" on what to open/click on is fine,
but randomly opening programs/websites that we might not trust is risky
business.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.


"stephen.stone (removeit) @netzero.net"

 

[stephen.stone \(removethis\)]

I am running Outlook 2002. The security notice happens for
EVERY hyperlink in email messages.

How do I select which sites are OK to open hyperlinks from?

 

[Len Segal]

Stephen,

NOBODY can answer this question for you.

Every Email you get is another "decision point" . . . you need to look at
each one and determine if it is safe or questionable. If questionable, I do
NOT open it/click on it. Others may and then they go looking for the nearest
computer store to get rid of viruses or spyware.

Some URLs open a website with a hidden program behind it, one that reports
back to someplace your Email address (or even more personal info) so that it
can be sold to anyone who wants to buy spamable lists or personal data.
Others install spyware that log all your keystrokes (passwords, etc.) for
someone's malicious enjoyment.

All we can do is recommend that if you aren't 100% certain, it is best NOT
to open or execute something.

The final decision and responsibility lies with the computer user <you>.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.


"stephen.stone (removethis) @netzero.net"

 

[stephen.stone \(removethis\)]

Firstly, thank you for your assistance. I am, however, no
closer to understanding why Outlook is not letting me open
ANY hyperlinks in ANY email messages. I understand the
security risks associated with opening hyperlinks, and I
accept responsibility for opening them. The message I
receive says I need to contact my system administrator.
Because I use XP Home Edition, and have no sign accounts,
I am the administrator, but I do not know how to change
settings to that I can open hyperlinks contained within
email messages.

I am using Outlook 2002. What settings do I change to
permit me to open hyperlinks from within email messages?

 

[Len Segal]

Stephen,

Take a look here and see if this solves your problem.

OL: Hyperlinks in an E-mail Message Do Not Work
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;257464&Product=ol2002

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.


"stephen.stone (removethis) @netzero.net"