[ThunderBird] Opening HTTP links in Firefox

Intro

Its an annoying procedure, to copy/paste HTTP links from an email to see them properly or to see these links open automatically in a web browser that you do not like too much.

Fortunately you can configure Thunderbird for this purpose:

Thunderbird under Windows

• Tools Menu
• Options
• Advanced Topic
• General tab
• Configuration Editor
• In the filter enter the following value:

network.protocol-handler.app.http

• Open the context menu via the right mouse button and choose New and then String.
• Confirm all dialog boxes and the effect is immediate without the need to restart Thunderbird.
• Please make sure the network.protocol-handler.warn-external.http has the value: true

Important notes:
Under Windows, you must enter the exact path of the browser

(example : c:/Program Files/Mozilla/Firefox/firefox.exe)


In this case it is vital that Firefox (the browser choosed) is the default browser

To do that, go to Control Panel and select Add-Remove Programs. Then click Set Program Access and Defaults on the left bar and follow the wizard.

Thunderbird under GNU/Linux

• Edit Menu
• Preferences
• Advanced Topic
• General tab
• Configuration Editor
• In the filter enter the following value:

network.protocol-handler.app.http 

• Click it and enter the full path of the application.
• Confirm all dialog boxes and the effect is immediate without the need to restart Thunderbird.

Notes:
Under GNU/Linux, you can simply enter the name of the application or firefox or iceweasel

Notes common to Windows and GNU/Linux

Compatibility:
This trick is valid, in fact, for any browser. You can also use Opera. You just have to change the application name.

The tabs in Firefox:
The trick will open HTTP link in a new tab in Firefox (according to your personal settings).