Keep IE from opening

Hello,
I have kiosk software that allows guests to access my company website only on a desktop set up in the lobby. The software does not use IE as a browser but when a guest clicks on a hyperlink a new ie window opens. I have configured ie>tools>internet options>connections>lan settings>proxy server with a 0.0.0.0 from keeping those popped up windows from showing the external links. So the guest sees the window but can't access anything outside of the company website. Is there any way from keeping the window from popping up in the first place.

P.S. I have enabled content advisor and configured pop up blocker filter with the highest setting but still get the popped up window. The hyperlink which pops up the window is not an advertisment...just a link to another website.

Thanks