Weird hyperlink target behavior in Outlook

[lisa]

I have an app that needs to send out a hyperlink in e-mail.

The spec requires that the hyperlink not overwrite an already open
browser window *unless* there is a browser window open already that
contains another report from the same app.

I did this by using the target attribute with the app's name in it:

<a href="report.aspx" target="myApp">Click here</a>

This works fine in a webpage. If there's a window open called "myApp",
the link opens in it. If not, a new window opens that's called "myApp"
and the link opens in that.

But Outlook... despite being a product of the same company that makes
IE, doesn't work that way. If there's a window open called "myApp",
it'll open in that window. But if there isn't a window called "myApp"
and there are other windows open, it'll open the link in one of those
windows, rather than open a new one.

Never mind the fact that IE and Outlook *should* handle hyperlink
targets the same way. Is there any way around this? Is it a known
bug?

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[Brian Tillman]

But Outlook... despite being a product of the same company that makes
IE, doesn't work that way. If there's a window open called "myApp",
it'll open in that window. But if there isn't a window called "myApp"
and there are other windows open, it'll open the link in one of those
windows, rather than open a new one.

Never mind the fact that IE and Outlook *should* handle hyperlink
targets the same way. Is there any way around this?

Try changing the "Reuse windows for launching shortcuts" value in IE's
Tools>Internet Options>Advanced.

 

[lisa]

Try changing the "Reuse windows for launching shortcuts" value in IE's
Tools>Internet Options>Advanced.

Argh. I had a feeling someone might suggest that. The company I work
for has a security policy in place that locks everyone out of the
Advanced tab. I mean, you can go to the tab, but you can't change
anything.

I can change it on my workstation, because I have access to the
registry, but most of the users won't.

Any other ideas?

Lisa