HTML mailto link issues?

Question

I have a standard html mailto link....

However, in IE, if a user doesn't have a default mail client setup (e.g. outlook) , then the link doesn't work, and it says "could not perform operation....."

Is there a way -- a syntax -- that will work for any user -- even if he/she doesn't have a default email client setup?

Answer 1

IE has nothing to do with whether there is or isn't a default email setup. The browser has to know where to find the program on the computer and everyone who has Windows has an email program.



Outlook comes with Microsoft Office which has to be paid for and many people delete it, but there is Windows Mail (new version of Outlook Express) or Windows Live Mail that can be used. You need to instruct Users to set up their default program.



The problem lies with the fact that User has not set a default email program and IE doesn't know what program to use for opening the "mailto:" link. In today's modern browsers and computers, there is no reason not to have a local default email program. Many just don't know they have one or how to set it up.



Recommend using a server-side script language if your web site allows it. Otherwise, you will have to use a client-side dependent "mailto:" action to get the form info sent to you.



Your current hosting package or service MUST allow SMTP ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Mail_Transfer_Protocol ) to work. Otherwise, no email can be sent.



PHP: Sending Email Tutorial (Text/HTML/Attachments): http://www.webcheatsheet.com/php/send_email_text_html_attachment.php





Ron

Answer 2

this is to stay away from you attacking human beings by skill of scripts equipped into the e mail. after all a mailto link is thoroughly ineffective on the internet. It in trouble-free terms works with any application you may set as a default mail application and that removes maximum mail servers around the internet. you may desire to be applying a mail() own residing house page function from a sort. All a mailto link gets you is hundreds of unsolicited mail emails autosent by skill of scripts as quickly as somebody detects it whilst scanning your website.

Answer 3

In that case, your only option is to provide a server-side form that sends the email. The tool you would use depends on the programming language you're using. For example, there is JavaMail if you're using Java.