How to Fix the Secure Connection Failed Error in Google Chrome
Common Browser Issues
Google Chrome users sometimes come across an error that reads, “This site can’t provide a secure connection” when surfing SSL secure sites. Often, the secure connection failed error goes away when users refresh the Chrome tab, but at times, it appears repeatedly. If so, try the following troubleshooting steps to resolve the secure connection failed error.
Check the Computer Date and Time
It is seen that you will face the issue when your system date and time is not in sync with that of the web server. If so, configure the appropriate date and time according to your time zone, and try reopening the website.
- Click on the Start button, select Control Panel, and open Date and Time.
- In the new dialog box, click on the Change date and time… Adjust them, and confirm the changes by clicking on the OK button twice.
Clear Browsing Data
Sometimes, the browsing data in Google Chrome may also interfere with your web surfing experience, hence giving you the SSL error repeatedly. In case the computer date and time is correct, try clearing the browsing data. For that, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Open Google Chrome, click on the three-dot menu icon below the close button, move the mouse pointer to More tools, and click Clear browsing data…
- In the new dialog box, select All time in the Time range box, select the checkboxes against Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click on the Clear data button, highlighted in blue color.
Wait for the process to finish. Once it is completed, try loading the site again. If the error persists, move on to the next step.
Clear the SSL State
- Type chrome://settings/ in the address bar of the browser and press the Enter
- Scroll down to and click the Advanced button to see more settings. Click Open proxy settings to access the Internet Properties
- Click the Content tab in it, and click the Clear SSL state
Now, retry opening the site. If that fails to fix the secure connection failed error too, try disabling QUIC as stated below.
Disable Google Chrome’s QUIC Protocol
- Type chrome://flags/#enable-quic in its address bar and press Enter.
- The Experimental QUIC protocol will usually be configured to Default. Click on the Default button, and choose Disabled instead from the dropdown list.
- Re-launch the browser, and retry opening the site.
Check the Settings of your Antivirus Software
Sometimes, the antivirus software may also be the reason why an SSL error appears. Modern antivirus software scans for malicious elements in a website and other internet security threats, comprising checking a site’s TLS/SSL version. In case a site uses an outdated SSL version, the antivirus software blocks it and does not allow users to visit the site. In this case, you can resolve the issue by temporarily disabling your antivirus. Just disable it for some time and see to it if the site that generates the error can be opened.
Check the Firewall
In case a website is present in the Internet Firewall’s block list, Google Chrome will not be able to open the site. Check the Firewall to make sure that the site you are attempting to visit is not in its block list. In case the site that creates an SSL error is present in the block list of Firewall, then get rid of it and retry opening the site.
Disable Extensions
Extensions in Google Chrome help improve its functionality. However, at times, the browser extensions generate unwanted errors and spoil the surfing experience. So disable them one by one and try opening the problem site repeatedly as you do that. In case you find that an extension is also a reason behind the issue, then disable or remove it.
Change the Internet Security Level and Privacy Level
If all the above-mentioned steps fail to resolve the issue, then check the level of privacy and internet security too. A too high internet privacy level may also block access to certain sites.
- Click on the Start button, key in Internet Options in its search box, and open it from the search results. This reveals the Internet Properties dialog box.
- Switch to the Security tab in it, and check whether the slider is set to High. If it is configured that way, then bring the slider into the Medium level, and click on the OK button to confirm the change.
Now, retry opening the site. If you still come across the secure connection failed error or Flash not working issues while surfing the web, get in touch with our browser support professionals through the toll-free number to get an advanced solution.
How to Allow Website-Specific Pop-Ups on your Web Browser
Common Browser Issues
The majority of web browsers these days come with the option to block pop-up windows when you are using them. This commonly proves a boon for people who just want to go about their intended business online, without being assaulted by unwelcome and even inappropriate ads. However, while knowing how to stop pop ups is a good way to take out what many consider trash, it could backfire in some cases, such as where genuinely useful websites fail to get important notifications through to you.
Following are ways to let useful browser pop-ups through, by adding selected websites as exceptions. Just make sure before you start, that no third-party applications have been set up to block pop-ups.
In Safari (macOS)
Safari on macOS does not have a website-specific pop-up blocking feature, meaning some get blocked by default, while others don’t. You can set the browser to allow all pop-ups by doing the following.
- Go to the menu and pick Preferences…
- When that window comes up, move to the Security
- Make sure to leave the Block pop-up windows option unchecked. The next time you wish to block pop-ups, check this box again.
In Google Chrome (Windows/macOS)
You can specify the pop ups Chrome allows, by doing the following.
- Launch the browser, then navigate to the web page you wish to allow pop-ups from. Highlight the address in the omnibar and copy it to the clipboard.
- Click on the three-dot icon near the upper right corner of the window.
- Choose Settings.
- Move to the bottom portion and choose Show advanced settings…
- From the Privacy section, choose Content settings, and wait for that window to pop up.
- Move to the Pop-ups section and make sure you leave the Do not allow any site to show pop-ups button selected.
- Choose Manage exceptions…
- Under Hostname pattern, paste what you copied earlier. Set the Behavior setting to Allow.
- Click on Done.
- Close any open dialog boxes.
Pasting the specific web address is found to be more effective than providing the generic website URL. That means if your intended page was something other than www at the start, then that is what you should use.
In Mozilla Firefox (Windows/macOS)
- Launch the browser, then navigate to the web page you wish to allow pop-ups from. Highlight the address in the URL bar and copy it to the clipboard.
- Click on the menu icon near the upper right corner of the window.
- Choose Preferences (macOS) or Options (Windows).
- Go to the Pop-ups section and see if the Block pop-up windows checkbox has been left checked. If not, check it. After that, hit the Exceptions… button on the side.
- You will find an Address of web site: Here, paste the URL you copied earlier. Hit Allow.
- Click on Save Changes.
- Close any open dialog boxes.
Again, pasting the specific web address is more effective than using the generic website URL.
In Internet Explorer (Windows)
In IE, pop-ups thrown in by websites can get blocked, and when that happens, you would see a dialog alerting you of it. The below steps should let you allow pop-ups from specific websites.
- Launch the browser, then navigate to the web page you wish to allow pop-ups from. Highlight the address in the URL bar and copy it to the clipboard.
- Go to the Tools menu and choose Internet options.
- When the dialog box comes up, go to the Privacy tab and make sure the Turn on Pop-up Blocker option is enabled. Click on Settings to bring up the next dialog box.
- Paste the URL you copied earlier into the Address of website to allow:
- Hit Add.
- Close any open dialog boxes.
In Microsoft Edge (Windows 10)
Microsoft Edge does not carry a website-specific pop-up blocking feature. Some get blocked by default, and others don’t. You can set the browser to allow all pop-ups by doing the following.
- Hit the ellipsis icon near the upper right corner of the window, and choose Settings.
- Go to Advanced settings, and choose View advanced settings.
- Head to the Block pop-ups section and set the switch to Off. After this, no pop-ups will be blocked.
- If you wish to block pop-ups from web pages after this, simply toggle the switch back to On.
Since Edge does not allow adding website exceptions for pop-ups, you may want to switch to one of the other browsers mentioned here, in case you want to filter the pop-ups you do see.
The above procedures should let you allow pop-ups in the main web browsers used today. If your browser has not been mentioned here, you can call us on our toll free number and have our web browser experts fix any problem you may be facing.
How to Resolve the Flash Content Not Working on Google Chrome Issue
Common Browser Issues
The plugin of Adobe Flash on Google Chrome lets you access Flash video and audio contents online. It is recommended to allow it to run on a website that you trust. That is because security vulnerabilities are found frequently in Adobe Flash Player. When accessing a site with Flash content, you may run into many different situations and errors depending on the status of the plugin on Google Chrome. It could be that its setting is not configured the right way to make Flash content load up.
You might also come across errors such as Adobe Flash blocked since it is running out of date, Shockwave Flash is not responding, plugin not supported, or could not load plugin. All these situations are covered here and ways to resolve them. If any of the Chrome plugins not working the way you want it, take the necessary step to make the content load.
Change the Setting to Enable the Site to Run Flash
If you are visiting a Flash included site and run into the Flash Player not working on Chrome issue, you may have to change the plugin’s setting to allow the site to run it.
- To the web address’s left, click on Lock or Info icon and click on Site Settings.
- In the new window, to the right side of Flash, click on the Allow
- Return to the site you are trying to access and click the Reload button to the left of the address bar. You can also press the F5 key to make it reload.
Configure to Ask you to Run Flash
If you configure this setting, then Google Chrome will ask for permissions to run Flash each time you open a site. The web browser recommends users to enable the setting for Flash. Usually it is enabled by default, yet check if someone else has changed or configured it to block Flash.
- At the upper right corner of the browser, click on the three-dot icon and click Settings from the drop-down menu.
- In the new page, scroll down to and click to expand the Advanced
- Type Content settings on the search bar to quickly find it and click on it.
- Click on Flash, and in the next screen toggle on the setting Ask first (recommended).
Update Flash
A Flash content may get blocked if the Adobe Flash plugin on Chrome is not up to date. So follow the below steps to update it.
- In Google Chrome’s address bar, type chrome://components and hit the Enter
- From the list of Components, locate Adobe Flash Player and click on the Check for update
- In case you see “Component updated” or “Component not updated” message on the screen, then you are using the latest version of Flash.
Update Google Chrome
Updating the web browser to the latest version can make it more stable, especially if Google has come up with bug fixes. Installing the latest update can resolve Chrome plugins not working or any other issues with the browser.
- Click the menu button at the upper right corner, move your mouse over to Help option and click on About Google Chrome.
- The browser then checks for available update and installs the update if it is found. Wait for it to finish, and click the Relaunch button after that. The latest version of Google Chrome will then open by itself.
Reinstall the Adobe Flash Player Plugin
Get the plugin of Flash Player only from the website of Adobe. Search “Download Adobe Flash Player for Chrome” on Google and open the respective link. Make sure to select the correct operating system and choose the PPAPI or Chromium option prior to clicking on the Download Now button. Follow the instructions to install the plugin for the Chrome browser.
How to Resolve Flash Plugin Has Crashed
When browsing a Flash site, users tend to come across “The following plugin has crashed” error message or the icon of the plugin. If Flash does not restart automatically, then you can force close it. For that, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Click on the three-dot at the top right corner, move your cursor over to More Tools and click on Task Manager. Alternatively, you can press Shift and Esc keys simultaneously by selecting a Chrome tab to launch the Task Manager
- From the Task Manager window, select the plugin of Shockwave Flash and click on the End process
- Exit the window, and return to the webpage with the Flash content.
- At the upper left corner, click on the Reload button to see if that helps.
If you face Chrome plugins not working issues despite trying all these things, then get in touch with our browser support professionals through the toll-free number for advanced troubleshooting.
How to Resolve the SSL Certificate Error on Google Chrome
Common Browser Issues
SSL certificates secure the communication between a web browser and a server. In case a site is secured with the certificate, then that means entered data is encrypted with cryptographic algorithms and is therefore not accessible by other people. If there is a mistake in a site, Google Chrome will show the SSL certificate error. This has two sides to it. Firstly, it affects the usual browsing experience of users. Secondly, it is a matter of concern for the people running the site in question.
It is as much a requirement for users to resolve the error as it is for website owners to install the correct SSL certificate. Usually, users get the error on the browser in many different ways. Ultimately, it all boils down to a connection error. Anyhow, you will have to bypass the error or find ways to clear it to enter the site. If Google Chrome keeps crashing into such kind of an error window while opening a website, do the following to troubleshoot the same.
How Google Chrome Users Can Resolve the SSL Certificate Error
Change the Computer Time
If the computer time does not conform to the real-time, the SSL error will pop up on the Chrome browser. To avoid that, configure the right time based on your time zone. If you are on Windows 7 PC, perform the below tasks.
- Click on the Time and Date on the desktop taskbar, and click Change date and time settings
- In the window that appears next, click the Change date and time settings Make the necessary changes and click on OK button twice for confirmation.
Contact the Website if Required
If a site is running with an expired SSL certificate, Google Chrome will not consider it secure. Therefore, contact the site owner or administrator to bring it to their notice. If they renew the certificate at a later time, you will likely be able to open the site when possible. It is also worth opening the certificate-expired site later because somebody else might have notified the site owner about the same. It is best to report the matter by yourself – the more the urgency, the quicker a solution from the site’s end.
Update Google Chrome
The user may also run into the error if the browser is not up to date. Generally, it is recommended to use the latest version of your web browser to get the best performance out of it. Obviously, installing the latest update will resolve many of the Chrome browser issues.
- Click the menu button on the upper right corner, move your cursor over to Help and choose About Google Chrome The Chrome browser will then check for available update or do the same if the latest version is found, so wait for the update to complete. Once it is done, go to the same section and click the Relaunch button. The latest version of Google Chrome will then launch again by itself.
Now, check if you can access the error site. If you cannot, probably the error has to do with the nonexistent certificate.
What Does a Website Owner Have to Do to Fix SSL?
Google Chrome accepts the SSL certificate issued by a trusted certificate authority and a self-signed certificate with some restrictions. Since a self-signed SSL certificate is used for the purpose of security testing, it will be valid for a stipulated time span. If the site is using it after the expiry day, or if it is not issued by a trusted certificate authority, the browser displays the error.
It is best to get a domain-validated SSL certificate in case your site is small sized or medium sized. If it is a large or big-sized business’s site, then the best option is to get an organization validation SSL. Ensure a trusted certificate authority issues the same. Note that the duration of a self-signed certificate may differ depending on the certificate authority.
Familiarize with Google Chrome’s certificate policy. Also, find out which certificate is suitable for which file encryption. For that, keep a watch on the announcements of Google.
In case the SSL you bought is one for an older encryption, then it is recommended to get in touch with your certificate authority for a reissue of it and generate a certificate signing request with the Google recommended encryption. After generating it, reinstall the certificate on your web server.
In case you are creating a website for the first time and purchasing the SSL certificate for it, make it a point to generate the certificate signing request with the recommended encryption and install it on your server.
If you come across Chrome keeps crashing or any other Chrome browser issues for that matter, get in touch with our browser support professionals through the toll-free helpline for immediate help.
How to Troubleshoot the 502 Bad Gateway Error
502 Bad Gateway Error
The “502 Bad Gateway” error happens since the server, acting as a proxy or gateway, attempted to access the main server to fulfill the request it got and has received no or invalid response. Sometimes, incomplete or empty headers caused by server side issues or broken connections can cause the error when accessed through a proxy or gateway. Even certain apps that block pop up ads works via reverse proxy.
You may know how to block pop up ads on your web browser, though the “Bad Gateway” error can be annoying. Depending on the website or browser, the same error page can be shown differently with the 502 being the only constant. Sometimes, it can be shown as just 502 or Server Error as displayed on Google.
You have zero control over these errors since they are server side related. However, at times even your web browser can be tricked into showing the error so there are some steps to resolve it. Prior to starting with these troubleshooting steps for 502 Bad Gateway, make it a point to create a system restore point just in case anything goes wrong.
Reload the Error Page
Wait for a few minutes and try reloading the web page, in which you encountered the Bad Gateway. Press Ctrl and F5 keys at the same time, with the browser tab open, as it bypasses the browser cache, and double-check in case the problem is fixed. In case this step did not help, then close all activities and reopen the browser. Proceed to the next step only if required.
Try a Different Browser
Try opening the same site from a different browser. In case you are running into the same error page, then the problem may not be browser related. However, if you are seeing the error then it has got to do with your browser. It can be one of the Chrome browser issues also.
Clear the Browser Cache
If Google Chrome is your browser, clear its cache. For that, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Open the browser and press Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys simultaneously to open Clear browsing data.
- Switch to the Advanced tab in that and select the first six checkboxes, including Passwords and Autofill form data, and click on Clear browsing data
- Then, exit the browser and reboot the computer.
Disable Unwanted Extensions
You can quickly access the Chrome extensions page and decide whether deletion is required. After all, if an extension is unwanted you might as well delete it from Google Chrome.
- Open Chrome browser, type chrome://extensions/ on its address bar and press Enter.
- Make it a point to Disable as well as Remove unnecessary extensions. To Disable an extension you have to click on the toggle switch next to it. To Remove an extension click on the same button next to it.
- Exit and reopen the browser and see to it if the error page has gone away.
Disable Proxy
- Press Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch Run dialog box.
- In the dialog box, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK to launch Internet Properties.
- Then, switch to Connections tab and click on LAN Settings
- Deselect the checkbox Use a Proxy Server for your LAN, and ensure that the Automatically detect settings checkbox is selected.
- Click on OK and then Apply buttons and restart your computer.
Change the DNS Settings
- Click Start button, search for Network and Sharing Center and open it from the search results.
- Click on Change adapter settings link from the left pane.
- Choose Wi-Fi icon and double-click on it.
- Then under Networking tab, select the checkbox Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Then, click on Properties
- Under the checkbox Use the following DNS server address, assign 8.8.8 at the preferred one and 8.8.4.4 as the alternate one.
- Then, exit everything and see to it if the issue persists.
Flush DNS as well as Reset TCP/IP
- Open the Command Prompt with admin privileges. Then, key in the following commands and press Enter key after each command.
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /flushdns
- ipconfig /renew
- Open the Command Prompt again, and enter the following commands too.
- ipconfig /flushdns
- nbtstat –r
- netsh int ip reset
- netsh winsock reset
- Restart the system to apply the changes.
This should fix the Bad Gateway error you were facing, but in case the issue persists, get in touch with our browser support professionals through the toll-free number for an advanced solution.
How to Resolve Plugin Errors in Chrome
Common Browser Issues
If a Flash or PDF content happens to not load while surfing the web on Google Chrome, you would have to make changes to the respective plug-in. The troubleshooting steps or workarounds for that are outlined in this blog. In case Flash Player not working on Chrome despite trying these fixes, contact our…
Web browsers, including Google Chrome, rely on plug-ins that help render web pages or provide certain functionalities. For instance, the Flash plug-in helps load web pages containing videos or other flash content. Sometimes, when using the Chrome browser, a message can appear, announcing that a plug-in could not be loaded. If you come across an error like this on your browser, follow the steps mentioned below to troubleshoot Chrome plugins not working. Alongside troubleshooting steps for the Flash plug-in error, you can find a solution for PDF plug-in at the bottom of this post.
Rename the File pepflashplayer.dll
The couldn’t load plugin error can at times occur due to this file, but users should be able to resolve the error by renaming it. Open the directory in which you have installed Google Chrome, navigate to the PepperFlash folder, which contains pepflashplayer.dll, and rename the file to pepflashplayerX.dll. Depending on the version of Windows, this directory may vary, but you should be able to find it in the User Data folder of Google Chrome.
To find the folder quickly, press the Windows and R keys simultaneously. Type %localappdata% into the dialog box, and press the Enter key. In the new folder that appears, search for User Data and open it. Then, double-click PepperFlash, and open another numbered folder. In that, you will be able to find pepflashplayer.dll file. Once you have renamed it, exit and reopen the browser, see if that has loaded the Flash page. If not, move onto the next step to troubleshoot Chrome plugins not working.
Run SFC Command and DISM Command on Command Prompt
At times, the error can pop up due to corrupt files on a Windows 10 computer, but users should be able to resolve this by running these two commands on Command Prompt. They are meant to scan the system and repair corrupt files.
- Press Windows and X keys to launch a new menu, and choose Command Prompt (Admin) from that.
- When it opens, type the sfc /scannow command and press the Enter The scan will finish soon, and repair corrupt system files if any, so wait for that.
- In case that command cannot run, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth into cmd and wait for it to scan your computer and fix any corrupt files.
Once you run these two scans, open Google Chrome and see to it if the error page is loading. If not, continue to the next step.
Delete the Folder titled PepperFlash
For that, follow the below steps:
- Fully exit the browser.
- Open the same PepperFlash folder from the directory and delete it.
- Once you have deleted the folder, open the browser and check if the erroneous page is loading.
It is also recommended to update the component of pepper_flash after deleting it. For that, follow the below steps:
- Open Google Chrome, type chrome://components in the browser’s address bar and press the Enter
- From the list of components, find pepper_flash and click on the button Check for updates.
After removing the PepperFlash folder and updating it, the Flash plug-in error should be fully resolved. If not, move on to the next steps.
Select the Always Allowed To Run Setting for Flash Plug-In
At times, the error can happen if the plug-in of Adobe Flash Player is not configured to always run. To configure that setting properly, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Open Google Chrome, type chrome://plugins in to the address bar and press the Enter The list of installed plug-ins will pop up.
- In that, find Adobe Flash Player and select the Always allowed to run
- After putting a tick mark next to that setting, exit and reopen Google Chrome, and see if the error has been fixed.
Disable the PPAPI Flash Plug-In
64-bit versions of the Chrome browser support only 64-bit NPAPI plug-ins. If you are getting the error webpage while opening Flash content, try the following solution to troubleshoot it.
- Open Google Chrome, type chrome://plugins path in the address bar and press the Enter
- When the list of plug-ins appears, click on the Details button next to Adobe Flash Player.
- You should be able to see its version PPAPI (out-of-process). Find that version of Flash Player and click on the Disable
- Then, exit and reopen the browser and check if you can load the same webpage or Flash content.
If you come across Flash Player not working on Chrome, or any other errors while surfing the web, contact our browser support professionals via the helpline to receive fast troubleshooting and issue resolution. Call us on 844-202-3034.
Things you Should Know about Spybot Search and Destroy Program
Spybot Search Program
Several computer tech support companies recently announced that they have been encountering a new computer threat repeatedly in the last few years. What’s more, only some renowned antivirus programs were unable to identify and remove this dangerous threat.
Reports indicate that this new program is capable of tracking the movements of users on the internet and it may even redirect your web browser to pages that you never intended to visit. This means that the Internet Explorer has stopped working error and other Internet Explorer issues that you have been experiencing might be due to this new threat. These types of malware programs are usually called as Dialers, Browser Hijackers, and Spyware.
In simple words, malware can be defined as a set of programs, which cause a detrimental effect on your PC without your permission or knowledge. Some of the most commonly found malware are worms, trojans, backdoors, and viruses. spyware, on the other hand, can be defined as pieces of software applications, which are usually advertised as adware or freeware. However, the issue is that spyware programs get usually installed on computers without the knowledge of computer users. These programs will collect information about the websites you visit, the software you use, the games you play, and many more. The data collected is then delivered back to the servers of the creator.
So, if your computer is infected with a spyware program, then you are at a greater risk, because your personal data and other information that you have on your computer may fall into the hands of a hacker. Fortunately, an excellent tool, which is known as Spybot Search and Destroy, allows you to remove or destroy the spyware on your device with utmost ease. This will most probably resolve the Internet Explorer has stopped working issue as well as other browser issues you might be experiencing.
Installing Spybot Search and Destroy
Download the Spybot Search and Destroy program from its official website. Once the download is complete, you will need to double click on the file in order to begin the installation process. You will now need to follow the default selections and agree to the user agreements. Continue to press the Next button until a Select Additional Tasks screen appears on your computer. Put a checkmark in the final checkbox, which is labeled as Use system settings protection (TeaTimer) before proceeding to the next step. All the checkboxes will have a change in them now.
Before you start using the Spybot Search and Destroy program, you need to have a crystal clear idea on what TeaTimer and SDHelper are. The former is a program that will prevent your computer from downloading and installing bad programs from untrustworthy websites. On the other hand, the SDHelper program will run in the background of your device and notifies you when there happens to be a change in the system settings of your computer.
How to start Using Spybot Search and Destroy
The first thing you should do is to turn on your computer and then simply double click on the Spybot – S&D icon on your computer. This will in turn open the Spybot Search and Destroy program. If the program is not launching, then you may have to reinstall it. However, you could also seek the help of a computer repair technician to get further assistance.
However, if the Spybot Search and Destroy does open on your device without any issues, then you should click on the Update button. Another screen would pop up on the screen of your computer, where you can check for updates for the program. If new updates are available, make sure to upgrade the program to its latest available version. It is crucial to note that an outdated version of the Spybot Search and Destroy program might not be able to identify the new spyware threats in your computer.
Once you have updated the program, restart your computer, and open the Spybot Search and Destroy program once again. You will now need to locate a green colored Check for Problems box and then click on it. The program will now automatically start and search the registry, hard drive, and other locations in your PC for hijackers, spyware, and other dangerous malware infections.
In some cases, the Spybot Search and Destroy program might not automatically start searching your computer for malicious programs. If that is the case, then you might have to seek the help from expert browser support technicians. They will download and install the program on your PC and then carry out the necessary steps to remove the spyware from your computer.
How to Stop Pop Ups and Ads on a Web Browser
Common Browser Issues
When advertisements pop up on the browser while surfing the web, it can be annoying no matter which browser you are using. Not all pop ups are malicious, but some are. In some web browsers, you can disable pop ups as and when they appear by clicking on the notification and changing certain settings for that. Below is how to stop pop ups in your browser, so that it does not even appear in future browsing sessions.
How to Stop Pop Ups on Internet Explorer
You can reset the settings of Internet Explorer to return its settings to how they were when you first installed the browser on Windows. To reset the IE browser, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Open the browser, click the icon on the top-right corner denoted by a turning gear, and choose Internet Options from the context menu.
- In the new dialog box that appears next, switch to Advanced tab and click on Reset
- In the new dialog box, put a tick mark next to Delete personal settings checkbox, and click Reset button for confirmation.
- Also, click on Close button when the browser resets and sends a dialog box confirming the same.
- After that, close the browser and reopen it to see if that has stopped pop up advertisements.
How to Block Pop Ups on Mozilla Firefox
If the ads are popping up while using Firefox, reset it to a factory default state while saving key browsing information such as bookmarks, autofill data, and passwords.
- Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu button denoted by three-horizontal lines on the top-right corner, and choose Help from the drop-down.
- In case you cannot access the menu, key in about:support in the address bar of the browser and press Enter.
- On the right side of the Troubleshooting Information page, click on the Reset Firefox or Refresh Firefox
- To confirm the reset, click the same button when a new dialog box appears.
- The browser will now close and revert to factory default settings. When it is done, click on Finish.
Note that in case the reset is successful, an Old Firefox Data folder will appear itself on the desktop. In case it does not resolve your pop up ads problem, you can restore unsaved information by copying files to the new profile folder. In case you do not require the old folder on the desktop, you can delete the folder too.
How to Stop Pop Ups on Google Chrome
Type chrome://settings/content in the address bar, choose Ads button, and select the toggle switch to change the setting. Generally, Google Chrome blocks pop up ads by default. Whenever an ad pops up, you must have seen a notification in address bar denoting the same. By clicking on that, you can Allow pop-ups for a specific website. However, if pop ups persist while surfing the web, you will require advanced steps to work around the issue
.
- Open Google Chrome, click the menu button denoted by three-dot or three-horizontal lines on the top-right corner, and choose Settings from the drop-down menu. You can access the same by typing chrome://settings in the address bar of the browser and by pressing Enter.
- In the new page that displays Chrome’s settings, scroll down to and find the Advanced Click on the drop-down to explore the advanced settings of the browser.
- Find Restore settings to their original defaults and click on the button. Then, a confirmation dialog box will appear on-screen detailing what all will be restored. This will not clear saved passwords or bookmarks, so if you are good to go, click on Reset button to confirm that.
Uninstall Potentially Unwanted Programs
Search for Add or remove programs in the Start menu and open the same from the search results. Then right-click on a program that you do not recognize, and choose Uninstall. If you have installed any suspicious programs that probably triggers pop ups, removing that from the computer will fix the pop up issues.
Note that if pop up ads are showing on all browsers, then it could be a malware problem in the computer too. In which case, you will have to get rid of it using a trusted antivirus software. Get in touch with our certified browser support technicians to learn how to do that and how to stop pop ups from appearing on your PC once and for all.
6 Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Some Common Chrome Browser Issues
Chrome Browser Issues
It is seen that certain errors occur while loading a web page or surfing the web on Google Chrome. Some errors suggest a failure to establish a connection to the web server, that connection is timed out, or that browser tabs are freezing or hanging up. If any of such errors are causing Google Chrome not responding issues, try out the below troubleshooting steps to fix the problems that lead to it.
Add Google Chrome to the Firewall Exception
By default, Windows Firewall is meant to restrict certain applications or potentially harmful files from the internet. However, many users have reported that since the Windows Firewall filters the web content, it can sometimes cause site-loading issues too. You can work around that by exempting Chrome from the Firewall. Here is how to do that.
- Click Start button, key in Firewall in the search box, and open Allow a program through Windows Firewall from the search results.
- In the new window that opens, click on Change Settings and select Allow another program.
- Make sure there is a selection next to Google Chrome. Usually, the Chrome browser is allowed on Windows Firewall, but if it is not, give it an exception.
- In case you cannot find it listed there, click Allow another app button and a new dialog box will appear. In that, choose Google Chrome and click Add. Then, return to the main window and click on OK to confirm the changes.
Clear the DNS Cache Using Command Prompt
If host connection errors pop up on Chrome browser, then the DNS cache may be to blame. This can be resolved by clearing the cache.
- Press Windows key, and type Command Prompt in the search box of Start menu.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt link in the search results, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the command ipconfig /flushdns in the command box, and hit the Enter
- When the message, Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache is displayed in the command box, close the window and restart your computer.
Scan the PC for Malware
Sometimes, malware in the computer can cause Google Chrome not responding errors. There is also a way to check for malware or clean up computer on the browser, but if it were hanging up, you would have to rely on antivirus software for that. If you a have third-party antivirus installed in the system, perform a malware scan. If it detects any unwanted programs, remove them manually or by following the instructions on the antivirus.
Scan for Corrupted System Files Using SFC Scan Command
Corrupted system files can cause Chrome browser issues, so to resolve them you have to repair the files. This can be done by using Command Prompt.
- Run Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow in the command box, and then press Enter.
- Wait for some time for the scan to complete. Once it is done, see to it if the issue is fixed. If not, run the below command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After the DISM scan is completed on cmd, crosscheck if the problem persists. If it is still there, repeat the SFC method mentioned above and check if that step resolves the browser issue.
Ensure Google Chrome is Up-to-Date
In case some errors are causing Google Chrome to freeze or crash from time to time, it is likely the browser is outdated. Chrome often release bug fixes in available versions, so updating it can resolve certain issues caused due to bugs. The browser automatically checks for updates, but you can also do that manually. For that, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Launch Google Chrome.
- Click on the three-dot icon on the upper-right side, choose Help from the pop-up menu, and click About Google Chrome.
- In the new page, wait for Chrome to complete Checking for updates. If they are available, the browser will automatically download them. If they are not available, it will be up-to-date.
Clear Browsing Data
Another common reason behind Google Chrome not responding errors is the browser cache. If it is corrupted, you might come across issues that suggest the same. Yet again, you can try clearing the cache to troubleshoot the issues. For that:
- Open Chrome or select a tab to make it active.
- Press Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys simultaneously.
- In the new window, make sure the checkboxes Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files are selected.
- Also, configure Time range of browsing as All time and click Clear Data
Once the browser completes clearing the information, see to it if the issue persists. If none of these steps helps with that, you would have to reset or reinstall Google Chrome. Better yet, get in touch with our certified browser support technicians for advanced assistance.
How to Troubleshoot or Work around No Sound on Google Chrome
Chrome Browser Issues
There can be many causes to no sound error on Google Chrome, including improper configurations and faulty drivers. Having no sound can take away the fun of playing videos on the web. Since its causes are varied, you might have to try out any of the below troubleshooting steps to fix or work around the issue.
Basic Steps to Troubleshoot No Sound on Chrome
- Refresh the tabs and try playing the video to see if that fixes the no sound. Also, try exiting all Chrome tabs and reopening it.
- Reboot the computer, and see if the error persists.
- Make sure the installed browser is up-to-date.
These are three of the basic things to do to fix some of the common browser problems, including Google Chrome not responding errors and no sound issues. Apart from that, ensure you have updated sound drivers installed on the PC to eliminate that cause of the error. Also, check the same audio-contained web page on a different browser to identify if it is a Chrome-only issue.
Check Chrome Sound in Volume Mixer
Even if the sound is not muted in the computer, it is still likely Chrome volume is. To check that, follow the steps below:
- Click on the Volume icon on the taskbar, and on the Mixer link to access Volume Mixer.
- Check to see if Chrome’s audio is muted. In case you do not see Chrome listed in Volume Mixer, run the problem sound file over the web to make it appear there. If it does not, right-click on the Volume icon, and choose Playback Devices from the pop-up menu.
- Now right-click on the Speakers button with a green tick and choose Properties.
- Under Speakers Properties, choose the Advanced tab, and put a tick mark next to the first checkbox below Exclusive Mode. This allows apps to take exclusive control of an audio endpoint device.
- Once you apply this setting, the Volume bar of Chrome should pop up in Volume Mixer.
Properly Configure the Speakers
If the speaker set-up does not match the default configuration on Windows, then related Chrome browser issues may occur. Here is what you have to do to configure the setting correctly.
- Right-click on the Volume icon and choose Playback Devices.
- Then, right-click on the default Speakers button as said, and choose Configure Speakers from the context menu.
- In the Speaker Setup dialog box that appears next, go to Audio Channels, choose the speaker connected to the computer, and click on Next button to complete the setup as per instructions.
Use Chrome Canary
You can use Chrome Canary if the present version of the browser has issues, including no sound. To download and install this experimental version of Chrome, with bug fixes and latest features, you will have to uninstall the browser from the computer. Note that uninstalling and reinstalling or even updating the browser can fix Google Chrome not responding errors as well, which pops up frequently on the browser. On the other hand, if the sound is not working on Chrome Canary as well, then the standard browser is to blame. However, if sound works on the Alpha version of Chrome, then stick with it until Google releases its main version with issues resolved.
Clear Cookies and Caches
Sometimes, clearing cookies and caches can resolve Google Chrome no sound problem, especially if it occurs only on particular websites.
- To access Clear Browsing Data, press and hold down Control, Shift and Delete keys simultaneously on the keyboard.
- Once Clear Browsing Data popup appears, ensure that the third and fourth checkboxes are selected under the dialog box, and click on Clear Data.
Disable Browser Extensions
To identify if a plugin installed on Chrome is causing the no sound error, open the browser on Incognito Mode by pressing Control, Shift, and N keys at the same time. Then, open an audio file on Chrome’s private browsing mode to see if the sound is playing. If it is, then an extension might be causing the problem. Here is how to access extensions installed on Chrome.
- Type chrome://extensions in the address bar of an active tab and press Enter key to navigate to the page containing a list of plugins. To disable extensions on Chrome browser, you only need to click on the toggle switch next to each one.
- After disabling all extensions, enable one-by-one to figure out which one is causing the issue and disable it.
See if disabling and enabling any extension is not causing Google Chrome not responding error; if so, you might need to remove such extensions from the browser. For that, press Shift and Esc keys on an active tab on the browser, choose suspicious extensions listed there and click on End Process.
Reinstall Google Chrome and Do Not Sign in
If you sign into the user profile, it will activate the Chrome sync feature. So, uninstall and reinstall the browser. When prompted to sign in to Gmail, skip that step, and see to it if no sound is resolved. If you can access audio on Chrome, then sign in to the user profile and things such as bookmarks, browsing history, and passwords will be synchronized. In case no sound occurs subsequently, then you will have to Reset Chrome.
Reset Google Chrome
Since this can switch the browser to a default state, it can even fix Google Chrome not responding error as well as other common browser problems.
- Type chrome://settings on the address bar and press Enter
- Under Chrome settings page, click Advanced drop-down button. Then, scroll down and click on Reset settings Confirm that by clicking on the same button upon prompt.
If you are still experiencing no sound issues in Chrome or ran into any other browser issues, better our tech support team for help. Remember, tweaking the settings you are not familiar with can lead to potential data loss.
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