Insert hyperlink - browse the web button

Question

When I use insert hyperlink under the insert tab on both PowerPoint and Excel 2010, the browse the web button opens the Firefox browser, even though Internet Explorer is the default browser.  When I go to a website on the Firefox browser, it does not fill in the address in the insert hyperlink dialog box.  If I open Internet explorer separately and go to web sites, the address fills in in the insert hyperlink dialog box.  I have tried uninstalling the Firefox browser, when I do the browse the web button does not work at all.  I have attempted making Firefox the default browser and it still behaves the same.  Is there any way to fix this issue?

Answer 1

I had the same problem where IE is the default browser but Insert Hyperlink Browse the web button opened with Chrome.  I can't unstall Chrome because it's a work PC and anyway I shouldn't have to go to such lengths!

Eventually fixed it by:

Start > Default Programs > Set program access and computer defaults > Custom >

Choose a default web browser > Internet Explorer > Ok

Answer 2

I tried resetting Internet Explorer settings and repairing the installation, again with no success.  I currently still have Firefox browser uninstalled so the browse button in the insert hyperlink dialog box just goes gray.  This is the same on all Office aps (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

Answer 3

Does it work in other Office programs (e.g. Word)?

Reset Internet Explorer settings and check if it resolves it.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Reset-Internet-Explorer-settings

Note: The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might reset security settings or privacy settings that you added to the list of Trusted Sites. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might also reset parental control settings. We recommend that you note these sites before you use the Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature.

If the above step does not resolve it, repair the Office installation and see if it helps.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint-help/repair-or-remove-office-2010-HA010357402.aspx#\_Toc269981340

Answer 4

I have the latest updates and service packs installed.  I removed Firefox and set Internet explorer as the default browser, now when I click the browse button in the insert hyperlink dialog box the button goes gray and does not open a browser.  I rebooted the computer in a clean state and it did the same.

Answer 5

Make sure you have the latest updates and service packs installed.

Remove Firefox from the Control Panel and set Internet Explorer as the default web browser and see if it helps.

If the above does not resolve the issue restart the computer in clean boot state and check if it works.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: Revert to Normal boot state once the troubleshooting is done.