ENT2001: Internet Explorer Does Not Start When You Click a Hyperlink (279877)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Macintosh
  • Microsoft Entourage 2001 for Mac
This article was previously published under Q279877

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to start Internet Explorer 5 by clicking a hyperlink that is embedded in an Entourage e-mail message, your computer may freeze or you may receive one of various system errors, causing you to have to restart your computer.

CAUSE

The behavior seems to occur most often in installations where the Microsoft Windows Media Player plug-in is installed in the Internet Explorer Plug-ins folder. In other cases, the issue has been resolved by rebuilding the Internet Preferences file.

WORKAROUND

There are two possible workarounds to this issue.
  • If memory allows, the easiest method is to start Microsoft Internet Explorer first, and leave it running in the background.
  • Otherwise, either remove the Microsoft Windows Media Player plug-in, or rebuild the Internet Preferences file. See the "More Information" section for details.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

Remove the Windows Media Player Plug-in

To remove the Windows Media Player plug-in, locate the Plug-ins folder in the following Macintosh path:

Hard Drive Name:Microsoft Internet 5:Internet Explorer 5:Plug-ins

Drag the plug-in to the Trash on the Macintosh desktop.

Rebuild the Internet Preferences File

NOTE: If you remove the Internet Preferences file, all Internet configuration sets will be lost. If this troubleshooting procedure does not resolve the issue, you can place the original file back in its original folder location. To rebuild the Internet Preferences file:
  1. Using Sherlock, locate the Internet Preferences file. Click the file, and then drag it to the Trash on the Macintosh desktop.
  2. On the Apple menu, click Control Panels, and then click Internet.
  3. Configure a minimal Internet set with your settings for the purpose of testing.
  4. Start Entourage, and then attempt to start Internet Explorer by using a hyperlink that is embedded in an e-mail message.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/9/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB279877
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