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Set Microsoft Outlook as the Default Mail Managing App
To eliminate the "Locate Link Browser" dialog box that appears when you click on a hyperlink in Microsoft Outlook, you can follow the steps in the related Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) version to set Outlook as your default mail manager. The steps differ slightly depending on which IE version you currently have installed.
Setting Default Mail Handling in Internet Explorer 8 and 7
Firstly, you need to open Internet Explorer, then select the Tools menu and click on Internet Options. Next step is to navigate to Advanced then Reset. Continue with selecting Programs, then Set programs. From here, choose "Set Default Programs". You'll see Microsoft Outlook here - select it and click "Set this program as default". Finally, click OK and close the Default Programs dialog box. Through the Internet Options dialog box, go to the Programs tab, and under Default web browser, click on "Make default". Confirm your settings by selecting OK.
Setting Default Mail Handling in Internet Explorer 9
To change default settings in Internet Explorer 9, start by opening the app, then move to Tools, and go to Internet Options. There, select Advanced and then Reset. In the window that opens, choose Delete personal settings, and hit Reset. Once it finishes, select Close and reopen Internet Explorer. Follow the previously mentioned steps in the Tools, then Internet Options section to reach Set programs. Choose "Set your default programs". Locate Microsoft Outlook in the list, select it, and make it the default program. To confirm your changes, click OK and close the Default Programs dialog box. Finally, go back to the Internet Options dialog box and under the Programs tab, select Make default in the Default web browser section. Click OK to finalize your settings.
Setting Default Mail Handling in Internet Explorer 10 and 11
If you're using Internet Explorer 10 or 11, note that these instructions can only be followed on Windows 7 or earlier versions. Open Internet Explorer and proceed as above: Tools to Internet Options to Advanced to Reset. A dialog window will prompt you to delete personal settings, confirm by clicking Reset. When it's done, select Close and restart Internet Explorer. Continue to Tools, then Internet Options, followed by Programs, Set programs, and finally "Set your default programs". In the program list, find and select Microsoft Outlook and set it as the default program. Scroll back up to the top of the default programs list to find Internet Explorer, and select "Set this program as default". Lastly, hit OK and close the Default Programs dialog box.
Double-checking the Default App Settings in Windows
There's another way to check app settings in Windows. Press the Win+I key combination to open the settings panel, then click on the "Apps" tab. Here, you will have the option to click on “Default Apps“. A list will appear where you can locate and select the Outlook app. Check the file extensions associations to confirm that Outlook is indeed set as the default mail manager. After saving your changes, close the settings window. You can now test whether the issue is resolved by trying to open a web link in Outlook.
Here, always remember to update your web browser and Outlook applications to their latest versions for the most enhanced and seamless experiences.
Craft and Run a Batch File for Registry Changes
For users who are comfortable with advanced computer troubleshooting, modifying the computer's registry could resolve the 'Locate Link Browser' dialog box issue in Microsoft Outlook. Please, proceed with caution as misguided alterations can cause serious complications. Below are the steps on how to export and import registry keys from another computer that does not have this problem.
Step 1: Export the Registry Key from Another Computer
Locate a computer that does not face the same issue and follow these steps: press Start, then issue the Run command. In the prompt that appears, type 'regedit' to open the registry editor. Next, navigate to the appropriate registry subkey. On the File or Registry menu (depending on your OS), select Export. In the next dialog box, find where the file will be saved. Input a unique name for this file and then save it. This ends the registry exporting process; you can close the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Import the Registry Key
Proceed to copying the exported registry key file to the desktop on the computer encountering the problem. In order to import the registry key, double-click on the .reg file. A message might pop up, cautioning you about the potential risks of adding information to the registry. If you trust the source of this file and understand the risks it presents, proceed by clicking 'Yes' > 'OK'.
Creating and Running a Batch File for Registry Changes
If the problem persists even after adjusting your default electronic mail handler and trying to import a healthy registry key file, there's another strategy to consider: creating and implementing a batch file for registry modifications. This process involves scripting a .reg file, merging the registry, and afterward restarting your computer to let the modifications take place.
Step 1: Creating the “.reg” file
Open Notepad and copy-paste the specified lines needed for modifying the registry into Notepad. Save the file with the name 'IE.reg' and close Notepad.
Step 2: Merging the Registry
Find where you saved the 'IE' registry script file, right-click on it and select 'Merge'.
Step 3: Restarting the Device and Testing
Once you've done this, restart your device to allow the changes you made to take effect. To confirm if the problem has been solved, try navigating web links in Outlook. If the 'Locate Link Browser' dialog box is no longer showing up, then the issue has been successfully resolved. It's highly recommended to regularly update your computer, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Outlook for enhanced performance and to prevent such issues from occurring.
Update Microsoft Outlook to Latest Version
At times, the solution to an annoying issue like the 'Locate Link Browser' dialog box appearing in Microsoft Outlook can be as simple as updating your Outlook application to the current version. Routine updates are known to carry bug fixations that can solve issues you may be experiencing.
Checking Office Account and Update Options
In your Outlook application, locate and click on the 'File' tab. In the drop-down menu that appears, select 'Office Account'. This will lead you to an interface where you can find 'Update Options'.
Selecting “Update Now” Option
In the 'Update Options' section, click on 'Update Now'. This command will prompt your application to check for the most recent software updates available for Microsoft Outlook.
Allowing Installation of the Latest Client Version
Once the discovery process is complete, if there are any newer updates available, the system will then start the download and installation of the latest version of the client. This process might take a few minutes to an hour depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection. After a successful update, you can confirm if the 'Locate Link Browser' issue is solved by clicking on a hyperlink in Outlook. If the issue is resolved, no dialog box should appear.
Keeping your Microsoft Outlook updated not only aids in fixing common errors but also provides you with new features and improved security. Remember that some updates may require a computer restart, so save your work before hitting 'Update Now'. If the problem persists even after updating Outlook, it might be time to contact Microsoft Support.
