Microsoft Outlook error when opening hyperlinks

Problem

When trying to open hyperlinks within an email while using Microsoft Outlook, you receive the message “Cannot complete this operation due to restrictions on this computer. Contact system administrator.”

Solution

1. Click “Start” to open up the start menu.
2. Click on “Default Programs”
3. Click on “Set your default Programs”
4. In the list of applications locate “Internet Explorer” and select it.
5. Click “Set this program as default” and click “OK” to confirm.

If this does not work please try this workaround below. The below fix has been tested and confirmed to work.

Ensure Microsoft Outlook is closed down before following these steps:

1. Launch Internet Explorer and follow this link : https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chrome/browser/
2. Click on “Download Chrome Now”
3. Set Chrome as default browser when prompted to.
4. Launch Microsoft Outlook and open a hyper-link.

If it opens without an issue you can use Google Chrome as your default browser; however if you prefer to use Internet Explorer as your default browser then please follow the steps below to use Internet Explorer as your default browser.

Ensure you once again, close down Microsoft Outlook before you follow these further instructions.

1. Click “Start”
2. Click on “Computer”
3. Click on “Uninstall or change a program” button, located on the top panel.
4. In the list of programs locate “Google Chrome”. Right click it and select “Uninstall”
5. It will then prompt you to select which browser you wish to use. Select “Internet Explorer” as default browser.
6. Launch Internet Explorer once Google Chrome has been un-installed and select it as your “Default Browser” if prompted to again.
7. Reset Internet Explorer.

You can then relaunch Microsoft Outlook and should be able to open hyperlinks in your emails.