TIPS & TRICKS: Locate Link Browser

Yesterday, someone complained that when they clicked on a link within an email in Outlook it opens up a window that prompts them to "Locate Link Browser". Here's a couple ways to fix it:

Method 1:
With the "Locate Link Browser" window up, browse your way to Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe and use iexplore.exe as the program to launch. Your links after this should now open in Internet Explorer. Since I haven't yet discovered what causes Windows to "forget" what program to use when clicking on a link, I can't say for sure that this is a permanent fix. If this doesn't stick, try Method 2:

Method 2 (courtesy of MJB at annoyances.org):

Go to Control Panel > Folder Options > File Types tab

Scroll down to the URL:Hypertext Transfer Protocols
Click Advanced
Click Edit
Make sure the following is in the application used to perform action box:

”C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\iexplore.exe” -nohome

The same applies for URL:Gopher

DDE should be set to: “%1”,,-1,0,,,,
Application should say: IExplore
DDE application not running should be blank
Topic should be: WWW_OpenURL

Run each line individually.
Start – Run then type
regsvr32 Urlmon.dll
regsvr32 Shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 Shell32.dll
regsvr32 Oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 Actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 Mshtml.dll

If this does not work try System File Checker
Start – Run then type
sfc /scannow (note the space) have your XP CD handy this time as you may
be prompted for it.

Either way, I hope someone finds this useful and helps you deal with your frustration of not having the computer work as you expect it to.