Rick, try re-installing Outlook, I don't know weather you will lose any data though. It might be worth backing up your mail folders just in case. Then re-install Internet Explorer 6. Then download the service pack 1 for IE6 and the service pack 2 for Office XP.

IE6 Service Pack 1 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Office XP Service Pack 2 http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

After their both installed, restart your PC then start IE and click on tools, internet options, programs tab and click the "reset web settings" button.
Make sure the "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser" is checked and then apply and ok.

If at any time it comes up with "Internet Explorer is not currently your default browser. Would you like to make it your default browser?" - obviously click YES!

Then restart your PC again start Outlook and send yourself an email with a link in it and let me know what happens. Don't try testing it with old mail as they will contain old values.

Fingers crossed!!