TRy this info: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/hyperlinks-in-messages-not-working

First thing I tried and doesn't solve anything. And also Chrome was not included. Just changing the default browser back and forth doesn't solve the issue. Thunderbird refuses to hyperlink with anything but Firefox right now.

TRy this: https://support.mozilla.org/da/questions/1068267#answer-745441 User had chrome installation where they had selected an option to run in background at time of installing.

They exited this background app through the system tray. Once this was "exited", Windows allowed the uninstall Chrome. Then perform a fresh install, but this time do not select option to run in background. But do select to run as default browser.

Thanks, but I did/do know about apps/exes running in the background option and ever since it was an option (a couple of years now I'd assume) I've had them turned off. So this should not be the issue. Also, I should not have to uninstall anything as ubiquitous as a browser to make this program function correctly.

Thanks, but I did/do know about apps/exes running in the background option and ever since it was an option (a couple of years now I'd assume) I've had them turned off. So this should not be the issue. Also, I should not have to uninstall anything as ubiquitous as a browser to make this program function correctly.

You are assuming the problem is in Thunderbird. I have fielded probably a thousand questions over the years where folks have had issues with browsers not opening. I have yet to see a single example in the windows platform where the issue was Thunderbird.

It has variously been Windows update Anti virus packages Manually modified hidden preferences Manually added HTTP/ HTTPS handlers in the attachments settings. Browser settings or loss of default status for a number of different reasons. (reinstalling obviously restates these settings)

This is the standard starting point to examine what the issue may be in your case.

• Restart Thunderbird with add-ons disabled (Thunderbird Safe Mode). On the Help menu, click on "Restart with Add-ons Disabled". If Thunderbird works like normal, there is an Add-on or Theme interfering with normal operations. You will need to re-enable add-ons one at a time until you locate the offender.
• Restart the operating system in safe mode with Networking. This loads only the very basics needed to start your computer while enabling an Internet connection. Click on your operating system for instructions on how to start in safe mode: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, OSX

If safe mode for the operating system fixes the issue, there's other software in your computer that's causing problems. Possibilities include but not limited to: AV scanning, virus/malware, background downloads such as program updates.

Please post back with your results.

First of all Matt, I do appreciate people trying to help, but. Please don't "assume". I am very knowledgable in Computers and have been troubleshooting them since the early 80's I go on Forums now so I don't have to dig too deep if I don't have to. To see if anyone else has the same problem. And the Microsoft answer of it must be YOUR system because it can't possible be anything with OOURS, now reboot and do a clean install attitude doesn't help anyone.

So, I guess we'll make history because here is the "first" example of it being totally Thunderbird.

I hadn't done a "safe mode" start yet, but did that and started with disabled add ons/extensions. Hyperlinks worked fine. So, then I started up (mind you after doing absolutely nothing else) with TB as usual, all add ons, etc, and it still worked. I'll mark this as solved. But it was obviously something to do with TB, not any other "outside program or Win xx shenanigans. A possible corrupt file somewhere being either rewritten or overwritten maybe. dunno. Or maybe it needed a safe mode boot to reset pointers. Again I don't know. But it has been solved with this. So that I thank you for, I was actually going to check the add ons as my next step.