Why are links in emails restricted?

Q I have a Dell Dimension 5150 computer running Windows XP. Recently I received an email that called for a response by clicking on a link within the message.

Knowing the sender I clicked the link only to see the following message on the screen: 'This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator.'
As the only user, I am at a loss how to remove the restriction.

Ray Ward

A This is a common problem affecting Internet Explorer, where part of it has become damaged or corrupt. The first thing to do is check the computer’s Web settings: open Internet Explorer, then click the Tools menu and Internet Options. Click the Programs tab and make sure the correct program is listed under the Internet Programs section for email. If there’s a Reset button on that page click that, or if there’s no Reset button click the Advanced tab and click Reset.

Either way, you’ll see a message saying that you are resetting the browser, with a list of what will be disabled and deleted.

Bear in mind that this will delete all your settings, search providers, home page, internet history and cache, as well as any toolbars, so have a list of these if necessary so you can reinstall them later (it won’t delete your Favorites).

Click Reset to confirm. If this doesn’t fix the problem you may need to delve into the Registry. Visit www.tinyurl.com/y43khn and follow the instructions in the Registry section.

Remember that editing the computer’s Registry can be dangerous and can stop the computer from working if you make a mistake.

Make sure that you back up any important files and create a System Restore point before you change any settings.

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