This is the only version that works for me with Nice Menus module... (I also had strange problems when I tried the dummy node approach, so I used the fake url one - in this case I use http://fake.link for every item I do not want to be linkable)

function themename_menu_item_link($link) {
  if (empty($link['localized_options'])) {
    $link['localized_options'] = array();
  }

  if (!$link['page_callback'] && strpos( $link['href'], 'fake.link')) {
    return '<a href="#" class="nolink">'. $link['title'] .'</a>';
  }
  else {
        return l($link['title'], $link['href'], $link['localized_options']);
  }
}

Note: class nolink is purely optional, but it's good for adding some useful styling like changing the cursor etc.

I know it's not the best but in the worst case scenario:
you could use css by tricking the user to feel that certain links aren't links..
.certain-links a,
.certain-links a:hover {
cursor: default;
text-decoration: none;
}

My client discovered this 'bug' and demanded a fix, I found this thread and spent 45 minute reading and digesting this issue. Every solution presented seems to ignore the power of Drupals Behaviors.

Obviously my solution works for me, but it could work for you too. It's a matter of your comfort level with Drupal Behaviors and Themes.

1) find the js included in your theme

For me:

sites/themes/all/<my_theme>/scripts.js

Yours will possibly be parallel, with your theme insted of "<my_theme>"

2) Using some Dom inspector, find the tightest css rule you need to isolate your troublesome 'A' fathers:

For me:

#headerblocks ul.nice-menu.nice-menu-down > li > a

3) Add a behavior at the end of the javascript file:

Drupal.behaviors.theme_<my_theme> = function ()
{
  $('#headerblocks ' +
    'ul.nice-menu.nice-menu-down > ' +
    'li > ' +
    'a:not(.<my_theme>-processed)').attr('href', '#')
                                   .addClass('<my_theme>-processed');
};

As is, this snipit won't work, replace <my_theme> with the name of your theme. Also note that the css selector from step 2 is incorporated in the javascript string there, but we add the text [':not(.<my_theme>-process)'] after the 'a'.

The Javascript here is selecting the father 'A's that aren't yet processed and replacing their href with '#' and marking them as processed.

Voila, quick, correct, and clear.

Some possible problem you might have:

• You're not using a theme with javascript

(my suggestion is to change to one, or modify your theme to do so)

• You can't find the css selector for your Father 'A'

(ummm, I can't give any direct advice on this, ask someone about your site)

• You want to make the cursor style to change blah blah css stuff

(Well the last line of code there is ".addClass('someclass');" add your own and use css for styling

• You want a leaf node with no link, or you want some other combination of links and not links

(If you want other hard to define, or specific items, I think you can use secondary rules in your javascript Behavior to specify them, Since these aren't really likely to be needed on every site, consider this a per-site customization, that way you really give the client what they want.)

• Finally, note that some clients fear Javascript, if this is true of your clients, then they may still have sucky menus 0.o

Have Fun and Good Luck

Jeff

just a simple addin to the "nolink" method: If its ssl server, even if you add the function accurately, you will get no effect when "nolink" is set as path verbatim (of course without the double-quotes). the "nolink" is refuted as any other incorrect path. I kept on searching for all possible reasons as to "why the %$#&" is it not working ? :-P
ok, please set the path to "https://nolink" and Volla! :D

This is Amazing/ Stupid on how Drupal 7 doesn't have a simple feature for something so basic. I hate downloading mods for something so simple.

The Drupal 7 approach is not working?

I have the code:

function bootstrap_business_menu_link(array $variables) {
  $element = $variables['element'];
  $sub_menu = '';
  if ($element['#below']) {
    $sub_menu = drupal_render($element['#below']);
  }
  if (strpos( $element['#href'], 'nolink')) {
    $output = '<a href="#" class="nolink">' . $element['#title'] . '</a>';
  } else {
  $output = l($element['#title'], $element['#href'], $element['#localized_options']);
  }
  return '<li' . drupal_attributes($element['#attributes']) . '>' . $output . $sub_menu . "</li>\n";
}

And it is not working?

Drupal 7

This is a solution that worked for me.

function YOURTHEME_menu_link(array $variables) {
    $element = $variables['element'];
    $sub_menu = '';

    if ($element['#below']) {
        $sub_menu = drupal_render($element['#below']);
    }
    if ($element['#href'] == t('http://#')) {
        $output = '<a href="#" class="nolink" clickable="false">' . $element['#title'] . '</a>';
    } else {
        $output = l($element['#title'], $element['#href'], $element['#localized_options']);
    }
    return '<li' . drupal_attributes($element['#attributes']) . '>' . $output . $sub_menu . "</li>\n";
}

Thanks fleuv!

http:# or this http:#anchorname

worked for me in Drupal 7!

When setting up the menu link, I put the path as http:/# (not http://#). This produced an actual path of http://www.example.com/# for the link, which is also unclickable.

Thanks!

Drupal 7 version, worked fine, I've write this code for make a one page theme:

function themename_menu_link(array $variables) {
  /*** Get each of the menu elements, one by one ***/
  $element = $variables['element'];
  /*** Variable for store sub-menu (if any) ***/
  $sub_menu = '';

  /*** Get the sub-menu (if any) ***/
  if ($element['#below']) {
    $sub_menu = drupal_render($element['#below']);
  }

  /*** Alter menu parents, for scrolling ***/
  if (strpos(url($element['#href']), '#')) {
    $link = substr(url($element['#href']), 7);
    $output = '<a href="'.$link.'" class="page-scroll">' . $element['#title'] . '</a>';
  } else {
    $output = l($element['#title'], $element['#href'], $element['#localized_options']);
  }

  return '<li' . drupal_attributes($element['#attributes']) . '>' . $output . $sub_menu . "</li>\n";
}

On each menu item, the links are such as http://#main-content.
Hope this helps someone.

I´m not a code expert and I look for easy ways to solve issues without extra modules,
so I found this solution, hope somebody helps: http://www.thecomputergroup.com/blog/how-to-make-a-drupal-menu-item-link...

Thanks xtian7 your solution works.