Verification Failure - Link Target (URI) not working (Desktop and Advanced Editor)

Issue

A Target URI verification failure occurs when CommonLook is unable to validate the destination of a hyperlink. During verification, CommonLook attempts to confirm that the link points to a valid, accessible destination. If it cannot verify the destination, the link is reported as a Target URI failure.

It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean the link is broken. In many cases, the destination is valid but cannot be reached by CommonLook during the verification process.

Symptom 

The Verification panel displays a Target URI failure.

Causes

A Target URI failure may occur for several reasons, including:

• The hyperlink points to a location that requires authentication (such as a login-protected website or document).
• The destination is blocked by a firewall, proxy server, or other network security restrictions.
• Adobe Acrobat's Protected Mode prevents CommonLook from validating external links.
• The URL is genuinely invalid or no longer exists.

Because CommonLook cannot distinguish between an inaccessible destination and a broken link, it reports both situations as a Target URI failure.

Affected Users

This issue can potentially affect all users, including:

• Keyboard users
• Screen reader users
• Users with low vision
• Users with cognitive disabilities
• Mouse users

Accessibility Guidelines

Broken or invalid links may impact compliance with:

• WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.4.4 – Link Purpose (In Context) by preventing users from accessing the intended resource.
• WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 4.1.2 – Name, Role, Value, if the interactive element does not function as expected.

Resolution Steps

1. Double-click the Target URI failure in the Verification panel to identify the affected link.
2. Manually activate the link and verify that it opens the intended destination.
3. If the URL is incorrect or broken, update the hyperlink to point to the correct destination.
4. For CommonLook PDF Desktop users only:  If Adobe Acrobat's Protected Mode is enabled and preventing validation, temporarily disable Protected Mode and rerun Verification. (Refer to the Opening CommonLook & Troubleshooting knowledge base article for instructions.)
5. After manually confirming that the link is valid, change the verification result from Failure to Passed, if appropriate.

Verification

The issue is considered resolved when:

• The hyperlink successfully opens the intended destination when tested manually.
• The URL has been corrected if necessary.
• The verification result has been updated to Passed after confirming the destination is valid.

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