Unexpected Error Following Hyperlink

• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to follow a hyperlink in Microsoft Word 97 or Microsoft Excel 97, you receive the following error message:

   An unexpected error has occurred.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you install Microsoft Visual C++ after you install Office 97. During the installation of Visual C++, the Setup program prompts you to overwrite newer .dll files that were installed by Office 97. When you choose not to overwrite the existing files, the Visual C++ Setup program registers the Hlinkprx.dll file even though it does not install it. This registry entry causes a mismatch between the registration information and the installed file.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, reregister the Hlinkprx.dll file using the following steps:

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.

2. Click Run.

3. In the Open box, type the following command, and then click OK:

         RegSvr32 Hlinkprx.dll
   

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here as it becomes available.