Problems setting the default browser in Windows 10

[Moondoggy]

I'm not sure that this is a Windows 10 issue or and Outlook 2010 issue or a combination of the two.

Since Edge doesn't have extensions for 3rd party apps, Norton Security recommended that I change my default browser in Windows 10 from Edge to Internet Explorer. I did that by clicking start\settings\system\default apps and then changing the value for the web browser from Edge to IE. If I open another app like CCleaner and click the link to "Check for Updates" that action opens up IE and takes me to the updates page. I can also cut and past a hyperlink into a Word 2010 document and when I execute a CTRL+click on the hyperlink, IE is also opened and I'm taken to the web page associated with that link. However, if I'm in Outlook 2010 and I'm viewing an email in HTML format and I click on a link in that email instead of IE opening and taking me to that page, I instead get a prompt asking me if I wish to continue using the selected program (Internet Explorer) or use Edge instead or to go to the App Store. Even if I check the checkbox on this prompt to use Internet Explorer every time, the next time I click on a link in an email the prompt reappears.

Note that I've checked the association for file types and the applications association and when IE is the default they're all set to use IE if IE is set to be the default browser.

Now the weird part is that if I switch the default browser back from Internet Explorer to Edge then clicking on a link in an email correctly caused the Edge browser to be invoked and I don't see the prompt.

Does anyone know how to make Outlook 2010 use IE as the default bowser when you click on a link in an email?

 

[Digerati]

Just answered this over at Windows10Forums where you were participating there too. As noted, Microsoft has [finally] released a KB article that addresses this. Supposedly they are working on a Fix-it to automate the process. But in the meantime, I applied the manual solution to have IE open a new tab when links in Outlook 2007 are clicked and I can confirm it works perfectly and as expected. And I no longer get the annoying popup asking to select (again) the default browser.

See the MSKB Article 3094186: You are prompted to specify Internet Explorer when you click a link in Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2007.

 

[Moondoggy]

Just answered this over at Windows10Forums where you were participating there too. As noted, Microsoft has [finally] released a KB article that addresses this. Supposedly they are working on a Fix-it to automate the process. But in the meantime, I applied the manual solution to have IE open a new tab when links in Outlook 2007 are clicked and I can confirm it works perfectly and as expected. And I no longer get the annoying popup asking to select (again) the default browser.

See the MSKB Article 3094186: You are prompted to specify Internet Explorer when you click a link in Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2007.

Digerati:

Yes, I surf many forums and I think I posted this same question on several other forums. It appears to me that the option to open a new tab instead of opening a new instance of IE is the option that mirrors the behavior of having Edge as the default browner. Here's what the registry looks like after the hack is applied to the registry:

~

 

[Digerati]

Yes, I surf many forums and I think I posted this same question on several other forums.

Please understand this is often frowned upon as "poor forum etiquette" as there are limited helpers and lots of folks seeking help. It is akin to having your herd of children stand in all the lines at a busy grocery store so you can get to the checkout counter cutting ahead of everyone else who are patiently waiting their turns in a single line.

Also, it often results in unexpected results and conflicting advice due to different helpers having different (but all good) approaches to the same problem.

Worse, however, is leaving threads dangling by not following up and posting the resolutions at each of those forums. So be sure to go back to each of those forums and post the solution found so others reading can find the fix and so staff there know the thread/question has been resolved.

It appears to me that the option to open a new tab instead of opening a new instance of IE is the option that mirrors the behavior of having Edge as the default browner

That is the "normal" behavior and why it was suggested instead of opening up a new window each time. It is also why I selected that option. The problem was, that setting was not "sticking" for IE - reason yet unknown.

 

[Moondoggy]

Please understand this is often frowned upon as "poor forum etiquette" as there are limited helpers and lots of folks seeking help. It is akin to having your herd of children stand in all the lines at a busy grocery store so you can get to the checkout counter cutting ahead of everyone else who are patiently waiting their turns in a single line.

Also, it often results in unexpected results and conflicting advice due to different helpers having different (but all good) approaches to the same problem.

Worse, however, is leaving threads dangling by not following up and posting the resolutions at each of those forums. So be sure to go back to each of those forums and post the solution found so others reading can find the fix and so staff there know the thread/question has been resolved.

The problem I have with forums is that people, even people that provide support, seem to have a preference for one forum vs another and you may not get any answer to your problem unless you do post on multiple sites. In addition, sometimes your answer comes from someone that is not a forum support person but someone that experienced the same issue as you and either came up with a solution themselves or found an answer somewhere else but only visits one forum site. Before posting I make a diligent search for similar posts and I do have my preferences as well and try to hit those forums first before I expand my search.

I tend to agree with you that you can get conflicting advice from people but at least if you get a different opinion from someone you can weigh your options and decide to follow their advice or move on to another answer.

I also agree that it is bad etiquette to leave a thread dangling by not following up on a posting with a resolution or even a statement that you didn't get an answer to your post so someone else doesn't wonder what happened. I personally make it a point to update all postings I make on all forums with any solution I find or a quick note that I'm still hunting for a solution.

 

[Digerati]

The problem I have with forums is that people, even people that provide support, seem to have a preference for one forum vs another and you may not get any answer to your problem unless you do post on multiple sites.

It is true that many helpers homestead at just one site. But there are many, including many here, who visit multiple sites every day. Many are on the staff at multiple sites too. And our friend Bing Google should find it anyway. That said, posting the same question at multiple sites can actually mess up search results for those seeking answers as Bing Google finds multiple instances of the same person posting the same question, not the answer.

In addition, sometimes your answer comes from someone that is not a forum support person but someone that experienced the same issue as you and either came up with a solution themselves or found an answer somewhere else but only visits one forum site.

That is true but not really the point. Many solutions are provided by people who are not "forum support persons".

I agree that we all want solutions for our problems NOW. I am just pointing out the problems it causes when posters seek answers in multiple places at once. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, but that does not mean it is good etiquette make your wheel squeak louder or in more places so it gets the grease ahead of others. Again, it is just an etiquette thing, not a law.

I tend to agree with you that you can get conflicting advice from people but at least if you get a different opinion from someone you can weigh your options and decide to follow their advice or move on to another answer.

But you can only weigh your options based on your understanding/expertise you have to begin with. Many have no expertise at all so they follow all advice at once and that can result in confusion for the helpers and systems broken further. And if you seek advice from one helper, then ignore it or follow some other advice, that can confuse and frustrate the helper who is only there to help you, not be ignored. Especially if you come back with, "I know you said to do this, but I did that instead but it still does not work."

I personally make it a point to update all postings I make on all forums with any solution I find or a quick note that I'm still hunting for a solution.

And that is much appreciated.