Windows Url Shortcuts Not Working Server 2016

MIster jashon

5 min read

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Oct 10, 2024

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Why are my Windows URL Shortcuts Not Working on Server 2016?

URL shortcuts, those handy little icons that launch websites with a single click, are a staple of Windows. But sometimes, they just stop working, leaving you frustrated and clicking through your browser menus. This is particularly common on Server 2016, a powerful platform often used for hosting websites and applications.

Why do URL shortcuts malfunction on Server 2016? The answer lies in the configuration differences between a standard desktop environment and the server environment. Server 2016, by default, is optimized for server tasks and may lack some desktop features.

Let's dive into the common culprits and explore solutions:

The Suspects

1. Missing or Incorrect Browser Association: Server 2016 might not automatically associate URL shortcuts with your default web browser.
2. Firewall Block: The Windows Firewall, a security feature, could be blocking the shortcut from reaching the internet.
3. Invalid Shortcut Path: If the shortcut points to a wrong or non-existent website address, it won't work.
4. Damaged Shortcut File: Like any file, your shortcut can become corrupted, rendering it useless.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Browser Association:

• Right-click on the URL shortcut and select Properties.
• Look under the Target field. The path should point to your browser's executable file, followed by the website address.
• If the path is incorrect or missing, manually edit it to point to your browser (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe followed by the website address).

2. Check Firewall Settings:

• Open Windows Firewall by searching for it in the start menu.
• Navigate to Inbound Rules.
• Look for any rules related to your browser or web browsing activity.
• If any rules seem suspicious or are blocking your browser, temporarily disable them to test.

3. Verify Shortcut Path:

• Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties.
• Ensure the website address in the Target field is correct and points to a valid website.

4. Recreating the Shortcut:

• If all else fails, try deleting the existing shortcut and creating a new one.
• Right-click on your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
• Paste the website address into the Type the location of the item: field.
• Give the shortcut a descriptive name and click Finish.

5. System File Corruption:

• If you suspect system file corruption, consider running the System File Checker (SFC) tool. This tool scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Additional Tips:

• Check for Updates: Ensure your operating system and browser are up-to-date. Updates often include bug fixes that could resolve shortcut issues.
• Reinstall Browser: In extreme cases, you might consider reinstalling your web browser. This can refresh the browser's settings and potentially resolve the problem.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting URL shortcuts on Server 2016 can be tricky, but by following the steps outlined above, you can isolate and resolve the root cause. Remember to check the browser association, firewall settings, shortcut path, and consider system file corruption as potential culprits. Most importantly, be patient and methodical in your troubleshooting efforts.