Hyperlinks Are Not Working in IE7

Troubleshoot IE7 to fix malfunctioning hyperlinks.

Clickable hyperlinks can stop working in the Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 Web browser for several reasons, including incorrect computer settings, corrupt browser settings or computer registry files and conflicts with software add-on applications. The issue can also affect later versions of the Web browser, including IE8 and IE9. Microsoft recommends carrying out a staged troubleshooting procedure to identify and resolve the IE hyperlink issues.

Default Program Settings

Setting IE7 as the computer’s default Web browser program might resolve the problem. Click “Tools” in the program’s top menu bar and select “Internet Options” in the context menu. Click the “Programs” tab and choose “Make Default” followed by “OK” to set IE7 as the default browser. Restart the program. Browse the Web and click hyperlinks to see if the links work. If not, continue with the troubleshooting procedure.

Default File Types

Sometimes installing new software changes the default programs for opening certain file types, so check that IE7 is the computer’s default program for opening HTM, HTML and URL files. In the computer’s Control Panel, click “Programs” followed by the “Set Your Default Programs” option. Click and highlight Internet Explorer in the list of programs. Click “Choose Defaults for This Program.” Ensure the boxes beside HTM, HTML and URL are checked. If not, click and select each check box. Click “Save” and then click “OK.” Again, launch IE7 to see if this fixes the problem.

Troubleshoot Add-Ons

Third-party, add-on software applications sometimes cause conflicts that prevent hyperlinks from working. Run IE7 in “no add-ons mode” to see if this resolves the problem. To do this, type “Internet Explorer” in the Start menu search box and then click the “Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)” option in the search results. If the program now opens hyperlinks correctly, you can eliminate the problematic add-on by disabling each add-on in turn. Restart IE7 in normal mode. Select “Tools” and then “Manage Add-Ons” from the menu. Click “Disable” next to an add-on in the Name list. Repeat this process until you find the problematic add-on and then leave it disabled.

Reset IE Settings

If basic troubleshooting fails to remedy the problem, reset Internet Explorer’s settings. This wipes all your personalized settings and preferences, but it should also remove any corrupted files or add-ons. Type “inetcpl.cpl” into the Start menu search box and click “inetcpl.cpl” in the search results. Click the “Advanced” tab in the dialog box. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings section, click the “Reset” button and then click “Reset” again. When prompted, click “Close.” Restart Internet Explorer and the program should work correctly.

Further Troubleshooting

Resetting Internet Explorer should clear any problems affecting hyperlink handling, but you can also use advanced troubleshooting if this doesn't work. Restore your computer with the System Restore tool that you access from the computer's Control Panel. The tool rolls back the computer to an earlier time, so select a date when IE7 worked correctly when prompted to select a restore point. Another option is to reinstall Internet Explorer by downloading the program from Microsoft. This overwrites the existing installation and upgrades the browser to the latest version.

References

• Microsoft Help and Support: Nothing Happens When You Click a Link in Internet Explorer

Resources

• Microsoft Windows: Internet Explorer 7 Help and How-To
• Microsoft Windows: Download Internet Explorer