Chrome new tab page changed but I want it back

Question

I'm using Google Chrome version 21.0.1180.89 m (on Windows 7).

The problem is that I installed an anti-virus program that accidentally changed the home page (I didn't uncheck the option). Now every time I open a new tab, it goes to the web search of the anti-virus package.

My question is, how can I restore it to the thumbnails with most visited and a tab with apps and all the other stuff?

Solution 1

After an second attempt and failing on it, i've found the solution. It isn't that hard to do.

First you have to determine the id of the extension that has changed the new tab. You do that to go to the extensions -> then go in development mode -> and then you see the ID's.

After that, go to the chrome default folder (C:\Users\user-name\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default ) and copy (for backup) the file Preferences

Now close chrome, and open the file Preferences in any texteditor.

Search the file for something like this:

"chrome_url_overrides": {
         "newtab": [ "chrome-extension://aaaangaohdajkgeopjhpbnlpkehbhmbj/config/skin/new-tab.html" ]
      }

NOTE! the ID is probably difrent, but it has to be something like this : chrome-extension://ID_OF_EXTENSION/.....

Now look further down for "settings" and then the id of your extension.

There will be again somekind of this line:

"chrome_url_overrides": {
                  "newtab": "config/skin/new-tab.html"
               },

Delete that one to.

Save the file and start chrome and it will be fixed.

Solution 2

This worked well for me. Type into the address bar:

chrome://flags/

Then select "Reset all to default"

Hope it helps, Patrick

Solution 3

self answer by OP

Answer:

The problem with this is that you have to reset the default settings of chrome. This can you do verry simple, with the following steps:

The file path: Users --> Your User Folder --> AppData (this might be a hidden folder if you aren't admin) --> Local --> Google --> Chrome --> Default

The folder "Default" contains all of the requisite settings. To reset Chrome, close it and change the folder name of "Default" to anything else... "Default old" or "Default broken" or whatever else you like. Once you reopen Chrome it will be reset!

If you want to retain some settings (especially things like bookmarks and login info) you can copy (don't just move them because they should be kept intact as backups; copy them) those files into your new Default folder any time that Chrome is closed.

When you've done that, the problem is solved (depends on what you copy back or not, because you mayby copy the wrong settings back, but you will find out soon enought).

Hope this helps somebody else in the future also.

Source: http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/chrome/xbmkn0Ohoh4

(post of Azzmo)

Solution 4

Go to the wrench (in the top right corner) > select settings > select extensions (in the top left) > uninstall the extension of the AV program.

Another way is if you have an icon (of the av add-on) in the top right > right click on it > remove from Chrome.

View more solutions

Comments

[Dave]

Is this AVG? Please confirm what anti virus are you using.

[tumchaaditya]

-1 Use Google! reset new tab page chrome or reset homepage chrome

[Mathlight]

i've found the solution :D

[100rabh]

please use the answers section for posting an answer, don't edit it into a question. If you can't post now, please come back & post later, I'll delete mine.

[Mathlight]

i needed indeed to wait. And i know myself, that i would forget to post the answer, so i edited the question, But it's good so ;-) thanks :D

[Mathlight]

The problem is that the web protection doesn't work then anymore :S

[Mathlight]

sounds true, but when i start up, i want to contineu the session i quited before, so that doesn't work :S

[Mathlight]

I already tryed that before, but it needs the toolbar to function right. SO now i unistalled it on chrome, and left it over at ie and ff :D

[Nilzor]

Note: Some plugins (like the one piggy-backed on Deamon Tools Lite) keeps resetting this parameter, so you must also make sure you uninstall the extension and quit Chrome before performing this operation.

[Admin]

TWCrap, one can also: identify the name of the app in the preferences file under that same section you pointed out, and disable the app via chrome...

[Adewale Oluyinka]

It's not answer the question

[psycho brm]

You just saved my life. I've uninstalled all programs installed today, disabled all chrome extensions, checked all chrome plugins - but nothing worked. "Reseting all to default" worked!

[John]

Obviously! best solution simply remove the crapware extension that was installed without my concent :)

[Patrick Wolf]

You are very welcome. Very annoying when the browser gets hijacked so glad to help :)