Ever notice that when you go to add an external link page in DotNetNuke that there is no option for it to open in a new window? Well I have two methods that you can go about to get this working on your DNN site. The first, not for the faint of heart, involves a little database work. The second is a quick Javascript fix.

The first method involves tricking DNN’s Tab table to thinking your URL link is something a little bit different.

• Open up the Tabs Table in your favorite SQL Editor
• Look for the URL field of the external link you wish to open in a new window.
• You may see something like: http://example.com
• You want to make it: http://example.com” target=”_blank

Once you save restart the application in the Host -> Host Settings page and view your link you should be good to go!

The second method is a bit easier however it does use Javascript instead of a normal link.

• In the external Link field on your DNN Page Settings you will see something like: http://example.com
• Change it to be: javascript:void(window.open(‘http://www.example.com’))

And save.

A little DNN hacking never hurt anyone.

But it makes you wonder why they do not have this option implemented. And why they don’t validate external URLs when you add them.