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When I click on a link in Outlook, it doesn't work and is prefixed with 'BLOCKED::'.

When you receive an HTML message, links in it may not work or the File, Open dialog will open, asking to associate an executable file with the link.

Looking at the source, you'll see the URL is prefixed with BLOCKED::, like this:

<A title=http://office.microsoft.com/ href="BLOCKED::http://office.microsoft.com/">Office Online</a>

This is a security feature in Outlook 2003 and often happens when URLs are copied from one email message and pasted into another message.

You can usually control it by adjusting the blocked external context setting in Outlook 2003. You'll find these settings on the Tools, Options, Security, Change Automatic Download Settings menu or click on the Infobar of a message containing blocked content and choose Change Automatic Download Settings.

More Information

In Outlook 2003, the screentip will include the URL and title (if present):

The URL may still work correctly in both Internet Explorer and Firefox.

In Outlook 2002, you'll see just the title field, if present, in the screentip:

The File, Open dialog opens for you to choose an exe to associate with it. After associating Internet Explorer, the address bar will show blocked:

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Notes

  • How to use the Automatic Picture Download Setting feature to determine how Outlook 2003 blocks external HTML content
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    Updated Jul 15 2008

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