“Blocked::http://….”: Outlook 2003 and 2007 is blocking URLs inside the e-mail
Posted by anandthearchitect on June 24, 2008
Keywords: "Blocked::", "Blocked::http", Office 2003 Service Pack 3
So, Is Outlook getting on your nerves lately? Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007 blocking the http URLs inside the e-mail body. The actual URL (say http://anandpv.blogspot.com) is replaced with blocked::URL (like this blocked::http://anandpv.blogspot.com). The answer is Outlook is started blocking those URLs which copy and pasted and from certain external emails with the latest service pack 3 (or one of the latest Office updates).
One of the sample mail with blocked email is below. When I hover my mouse pointer on the URL, it shows blocked::http://….
Solution (which I think is correct) is view the e-mail in "Internet Zone". Internet Zone security level is set to "Medium" by default. So the URL will NOT be blocked in Medium level. Outlook shows the URLs in high security level (Restricted Sites) if the email content meets the criteria.
1. To enable the "Internet Zone", Open the email in separate window. (like above picture)
2. Click "View" Menu and select "View in Internet Zone" menu item.
3. Click Yes for the warning menu.
4. That’s it. The URLs are enabled and clickable now.
More Information:
When I click on a link in Outlook, it doesn’t work and is prefixed with ‘BLOCKED::’.
Disclaimer: It’s only my own answer which I think it is the correct one. If anyone knows more about this URL blocking in Outlook, feel free to leave your comment.
Outlook Wizard said
Well, all these tips….don’t work…this does:
Open outlook (tested on Outlook 2003)
Tools –> Options –> Security –> Securirty Zones
Change Zone —> “Internet”
Zone Settings (Same page) –> reset “Internet Zone” –> default
Restart Outlook
Please comment and let me know if this worked for you.
Coach said
Worked like a charm!
anandthearchitect said
Glad to hear it.
Clr said
Unfortunately this did not work
rudraksha said
we had been hit by Outlook URL blocking issue
PLAZAMKT said
This setting is related to the MS Outlook phishing settings. The easiest way to resolve this is to open Outlook then select TOOLS>OPTIONS>JUNK MAILUnselect the following: disable links and other functionality in phishing messagesClick OK twice and restart outlook and you should be good.I hope this is helpful… To bad Microshaft could not make this easier.
Unknown said
good!
dana said
Out of the blue, my email links have been blocked. i have called my ISP as well as Microsoft. I have had 2 computer geeks try to resolve it. NOTHING has worked. i followed the advice about the unselecting disable links and other functionality in phishing and am hoping this works. I am SO frustrated. Additionally, i called Microsoft 2x today. Each time, they took my phone # in the event we were disconnected so they could call me back. I was disconnected both times and they never called me back! Plus, the last piece of advice i received on this issue was if i agreed to pay them $49.95 they would connect me to tech support and they would fix it for me. Gee Microsoft, thanks!
anandthearchitect said
Hey, I know that feeling. I have been there. When an business application sent out emails to users who can approve or cancel the transactions by email links, Boom..we had been hit by Outlook URL blocking issue. I fixed it by adding the website into allowed list and have users following my blog instructions to get the link work.
Let us know if you find any other solution.
Anand
Sharon K. Hill said
I cannot use use an e-mail from outlook 2003 to jump to the site the e-mail is from. Here’s what I get each time: ‘c:windows\system32\macromed\Flash’. Can someone explain this? I’ve tried everything to try and fix this, nothiung works. It’s driving me nuts!!! I also get when I was downloading IE-8 “setup could not find my browser’s plugins directory.”
Can someone please help me ? I’m not willing to pay $45.00 just to seat here and type back and forth to a tech. to fix a problem.
Sharon
anandthearchitect said
My hunch is Internet Explorer has corrupted files and/or registry. Try opening up “Manage Add-on” from IE menu and delete all add-ons. Re-install or upgrade to latest Internet Explorer.
If you are having issues re-installing IE, note down the error message and search it at http://support.microsoft.com (and http://www.bing.com too).
john mackay said
how do i find a list of blocked emails
Michale Horeth said
wow thats mint
Dietmar said
I have followed all steps from clicking view, view in Internet Zone and then yes. It solves the problem when I hoover over the link with the mouse curser and the “blocked” in the front dissapears. However the link still won’t open, with the same message “This operation has been canceled due to restrictions in effect on this computer”