URL links quit working

[bkemper]

Two computers on home network. But have quit passing the URL links form other programs to IE6 browser. The browser pops up, but the fields all stay blank ... it just sit there. Then if I go back to the link, double click it again, it works ... but always after the second time. ( the browser must be left open) Any ideas? 'can't find anything in Microsoft Knowledge Base.

One machine is W2K, and the other W98SE



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Fast AMD system, with W2K Professional

[Paul Komski]

Hi bkemper

IE >> Tools >> Internet Options >> Programs then enable "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser" and click "Reset Web Settings".

If that doesn't work then go Start >> Run and enter regsvr32 urlmon.dll.

If that doesn't work then open MyComputer >> Tools >> Folder Options >> File Types then find and highlight the File Type "URL:Hypertest Transfer Protocol" and then click on the Advanced Button:-
Highlight the open entry and click on Edit
Post back here what is written in the boxes there.

[bkemper]

This is quite a surprise! I'd have thought this would have worked. But, unfortunately, it still comes up blank, until I go back to the URL link, and click it a second time. Then it works ... every time.
Under the "File Type - Open" entry is has:

rundll32.exe shdocvw.dll,OpenURL %l

Bill

Originally posted by Paul Komski
Hi bkemper

IE >> Tools >> Internet Options >> Programs then enable "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser" and click "Reset Web Settings".

If that doesn't work then go Start >> Run and enter regsvr32 urlmon.dll.

If that doesn't work then open MyComputer >> Tools >> Folder Options >> File Types then find and highlight the File Type "URL:Hypertest Transfer Protocol" and then click on the Advanced Button:-
Highlight the open entry and click on Edit
Post back here what is written in the boxes there.

[Paul Komski]

That is the correct command line for (a) opening IE in a new window and (b) for the file extension "URL" for the file type "Internet Shortcut" and (c) is used in another registry key (http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/1005/) to facilitate enabling the RClick menu item "Open in New Window".

M$ describes how to correct (b) in MSKB 175306 (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=175306) - though this is not the exact same as your problem, which relates to hyperlinks rather than shortcuts.

My own URL:Hypertext Transfer Protocol entries read:-
Action Open
Application Used to perform action "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -nohome
Use DDE Checked
DDE Message "%1",,-1,0,,,,
Application IExplore
DDE Application Not Running Left Blank
Topic WWW_OpenURL

You can try editing yours to match and you might be advised to backup your registry first if you are a bit unsure about any of this.

Your type of problem typically can begin after upgrading to IE6 and can be very hard to sort-out short of reinstalling the OS or by removing (using AddRemove) or by deleting (with IEradicator Utility) and reinstalling Internet Explorer as necessary. Repairing IE can be worth a shot but seems to practically never work.

PS One final though is that it could be worth checking the box "Reuse Window for Launching Shortcuts" in the Advanced Internet Options box or indeed in clicking on "Restore Defaults".