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    When a message is sent with a link to a file such as \\server\share\ from a Windows PC running Outlook to a Mac running Outlook for Mac 2016 and then forwarded back to a Windows PC using Outlook 2016 the Share no longer opens. Instead, the link opens in an internet browser - Somehow changed by Outlook for Mac? Only seems to happen with HTML (Rich text is fine but not an option) Any advice?
    Wednesday, August 16, 2017 11:27 AM

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    Hi NVMM,

    >> Instead, the link opens in an internet browser - Somehow changed by Outlook for Mac? 

    Based on my test and research, the issue might be related to that Windows uses backslashes(\\server\share\) for paths, while Mac use forward slashes (/server/share/). 

    When the path was send from PC to Mac, the address was changed to "file://sever/share/":


    Then after the email was forwarded from Mac to PC, the address was converted again, but somehow lack a backslash at the beginning:

    I tested in my environment by manually adding a backslash via Edit Hyperlink, it works properly. 

    Currently I cannot confirm if this is a limitation in product as there is no documentation stating this. I have tried submit this via internal way. And additionally it is also encouraged to send your feedback via your Outlook user interface on both PC and Mac. Microsoft loves hearing from all customers's voice and is committed to improving users' experience.

    Thanks for your understanding and support.

    Best regards,
    Yuki Sun

    Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they helped.

    If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact tnmff@microsoft.com.


    Thursday, August 17, 2017 9:26 AM
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    Hello, I wanted to confirm that we are seeing this as an issue also - we use a workflow where we provide server UNC paths as hyperlinks to folders or files to team members.  If one of these emails goes through a Mac with Outlook 2016, it breaks all the UNC or SMB path links - and instead Windows trys to open the link in a web browser. From my testing this seems to be because of an error (bug?) with the slash or escape character handling in Mac Outlook 2016... if you 'View Source' on the email in Windows you will see the following - 

    From Windows Outlook 2016 - a href="file://Server/Path/XYZ"   

    but after you send it to a Mac 2016 client and get it back you will see - a href="file:///Server/Path/XYZ"

    and like Yuki said, editing the link/hyperlink will allow you to see it appears to be missing a backslash \ and so Windows calls for a browser, not Explorer to open.

    Can we see if this bug is being reviewed or registered?


    • Edited by Sully22 Thursday, October 26, 2017 8:13 PM slight clarification
    Thursday, October 26, 2017 7:58 PM
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    Microsoft Mac Outlook support has confirmed that they are able to reproduce this issue and they have asked the product team to review it as a bug.  No ETA on a fix, but glad they are reviewing.
    Thursday, November 2, 2017 12:25 PM
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    This bug is still alive and kicking. 
    Friday, July 20, 2018 8:45 PM
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    Has there been a fix for this?  We also experience the same behavior with Office 2019 for Mac and Office 2016 for Windows.  
    Wednesday, March 4, 2020 1:34 PM