ARCHIVED: Avoid broken web links in Outlook Web App

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When you receive email in Outlook Web App (OWA) that contains a hyperlink, and then copy and paste the link somewhere else (for example, in another email message), the link may not work because OWA inserts extraneous information into the web address. For example, suppose the correct address of the page is:

  http://www.example.com

The address of the link you paste may become something like the following, assuming you copied it from a message received on Indiana University's Exchange server:

  http://exchange.iu.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.example.com

If you cannot access a page to which someone sent you a link, and you see text such as the bold text above in the web address, try deleting that portion of the address.

You can avoid creating problem links such as the above by using one of the following methods:

  • Forward the original email message rather than copying and pasting.
  • Choose a different copying option, depending on your browser:
    • Internet Explorer: Highlight the link, right-click, and choose Copy, rather than Copy Shortcut.
      Note:
      UITS strongly recommends that you use a supported browser, and not Internet Explorer (IE). Microsoft 365 apps and services no longer support Internet Explorer.
    • Firefox: Highlight the link, right-click, and choose Copy, rather than Copy Link Location.
    • Chrome: Highlight the link, right-click, and choose Copy, rather than Copy Link Address.
  • Rather than copying the link from the incoming email message, go to the website, and copy the URL from the address bar in your browser.

This is document bcwi in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2021-04-13 08:32:30.