When clicking a link WITHIN an e-mail until today I was always directed on to the web-site indicated.
Suddenly I'm now directed via word - which more OFTEN than not wont open the link
How can I prevent this and get back to the original link?Your post is a bit skimpy on info.  Are you using a webmail service for email or an email client (outlook Express, WINDOWS Mail, etc.) for email?  Are the links you mention links to websites?  I presume they are but just want to be clear on that point.  In other words, you're not confusing links to websites with attachments in your email?Apologies for the scant information
I use incredimail for e-mail.
These are definitely links to web-sites url file association fix: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htmAlan
 
Tried this and the outcome after restarting is still the same - I've also just noticed that some programmes such as FILEHIPPO update checker also try starting via wordWell, you can try restoring other file associations. But I'd SUGGEST you run a full scan with both your AV utility AND MalwareBytes. Let's make sure you didn't pick up some malware somewhere along the line.I'll try both of these to check and come back

Thanks again for the moment.