How to Fix Broken Links Sent in Email

Many email messages contain links to external websites. Most email programs display website addresses as underlined hyperlinks that allow users to go directly to the location by clicking on the link in the email. Sometimes, nothing happens when you click on the emailed link or you may get an error message. It's not hard to troubleshoot and fix broken email links.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the email text to see if part of the link is on a separate line. If the link is broken, the hyperlink feature won't work. Highlight the entire hyperlink, then copy and paste it into your browser window.

2. Place your cursor on the link without clicking it and look at the status bar on bottom of your browser screen. You'll find the website address listed in the status bar. Write it down and type it into your browser's location bar.

3. Locate the domain name information in the link. These usually end with ".com", ".org" or ".net". Type the domain name only into the browser's location bar. Do not include any information past the ".com" portion of the broken link. Then use the website's search feature to find the exact location or document that was sent to you in email.

4. Change your email program's settings from plain text to "html". Look in your "options" or "preferences" menu (depending on the program) and select "read html," if available.

Tips & Warnings

• Many email programs insert a carriage return at the end of the line characters. This breaks hyperlinks longer than 70 characters link into separate lines and makes them stop functioning.
• Once you have repaired your broken link, add it to your bookmarks or favorites, so you can easily return to the site.
• Checking email links by hovering on them, without clicking, is an excellent way to avoid "phishing" links. If the link information and the sender information don't match, don't click that link.

Resources

• Visit PC World for email tips.
• Get email first aid at jmooneyham.com.