Chrome crashes when I try to open a hyperlink from My Email client

[julio99]

Ok, when I open my email client, whatever it may be I had an email from someone that had a HTTP link to a forum for me. When I click on this link, Google Chrome, my default browser tries to open the link, but all that happens is my extensions in Chrome all report crashing in the bottom right corner and they all start closing one by one with the report that they are all crashed. Why does this happen in Chrome if the browser is closed when I try to open the link? If the Chrome browser is open when I click on the link everything works fine, but if the Chrome browser is closed and I try to open this link from let's say Outlook 2010 the Chrome browser and all extensions start crashing .

My OS is Windows 7 HP x64. Chrome is my default browser.

 

[YoYo155]

Ok, when I open my email client, whatever it may be I had an email from someone that had a HTTP link to a forum for me. When I click on this link, Google Chrome, my default browser tries to open the link, but all that happens is my extensions in Chrome all report crashing in the bottom right corner and they all start closing one by one with the report that they are all crashed. Why does this happen in Chrome if the browser is closed when I try to open the link? If the Chrome browser is open when I click on the link everything works fine, but if the Chrome browser is closed and I try to open this link from let's say Outlook 2010 the Chrome browser and all extensions start crashing .

My OS is Windows 7 HP x64. Chrome is my default browser.

Sorry I don't have the answer but I think I know what's going on, and it might spark
a solution for the problem.

I believe the problem lays in the parent/child process relationship.
When you open the link from within Outlook than Outlook is the parent of that process,
in this case its Chrome, When you launch Chrome using a shortcut than it is Explorer.exe
that owns that process now.

It could be a bug or a security constraint built-in on purpose.

 

[julio99]

You see, I just clicked on the link that was in the email message you sent from the forum and beings that the email client I used was built into the Chrome browser it opened no problem. Now if I would have used Outlook from Microsoft and the browser was still closed, all HELL would've broke loose and Chrome would've crashed like crazy.

Someone mentioned disabling the sandbox that is built into Chrome, but when you do that Chrome lets out a scream that you are killing their security apparatus, don't touch! You can't win for losing on this deal. There has to be some setting I'm missing that doesn't cause crashing when you open links from Outlook and your browser isn't open.

I just made Firefox the Default browser for testing purposes. I opened Outlook, opened the message that you had sent and clicked on the link that directed me to Sevenforums.com and Firefox opened right up like it was supposed to, so I'm guessing that this is a Chrome issue, but is there a solution. I'd sure hate to think I'm the only guy in this world that uses Outlook and Chrome.

 

[houldsworth1]

I have the same issue.
I was running fine for a long time. Then the PC started acting slowly. I ran a virus scan (nothing), ran windows updates, defragmented the drive and now the PC is back to normal but this happens.
It did take a while for Outlook to start the first time I brought things back up but now that it is all caught up I don't have problems with that.
Not sure if that helps but this is a PIA - I guess I will switch to Firefox until this sorts itself out.

 

[julio99]

No I have been trying to get this figured in any number of different forums, but all I've gotten is a lot of speculation, but no real answers. I myself believe it's a Chrome issue and to the one poster that said it might be a sandbox issue, I do believe he's right. What else could it be if it's not a security issue

 

[houldsworth1]

Julio - I seem to have solved it but I don't think you are going to like the answer much.

Remember I said I ran a virus scan (security essentials) and found nothing? Well I decided to run an alternative scan using a Linux system. I created an AVG rescue CD (PC Rescue and Repair Toolkit | Free Download | AVG), booted from that and ran a full scan. It found one virus (trojan horse generic downloader 13) and I removed it. Since then everything seems to be working fine. I'd suggest giving that a shot - it could be as simple as the reason it was giving problems was because it was protecting you, which would also tie in with the sandbox idea.

Hope that works for you!

 

[julio99]

I made the disk and ran it. First it ran to 53% and crashed. It was finding the same False positives that have been there forever. Avg is known for a lot of FP's. In the past anyway. Second, once I ran it I found I couldn't get out of the command line format without turning my machine off. Is that correct? Been a while since I have run a command line scan. The malware it came up with that I said was FP was stuff like a Keygen and a crack. It called the crack a broken digital signature. I do know that cracks and keygens are malware to a point because they are altered, however they are not all Trojans even though they classify them as droppers or whatever. I'm not sold on that scanner. I found it difficult to get it to cooperate like I said when I wanted to leave it or when I wanted to select the drives to scan. Let me know your thoughts.

 

[houldsworth1]

...Been a while since I have run a command line scan.

I don't know what you mean. When you boot from the disk (or the USB key) you are presented with a menu. The first item on the menu is scan. There is no need to access the command line at all.

If you don't like the AVG scanner then try a different one. I used it because it's free and easy to use and, aparently, solved my problem.

The important thing is that you should run a virus scanner from outside of Windows - preferably using a completely different operating system.

Another alternative would be to install dual boot linux (e.g. Ubuntu) and then use something like ClamAV. I blogged about this some time ago here: Protect your PC with Linux (Dual-boot) | Houldsworth's Random Ramblings

Good luck!!

 

[julio99]

...Been a while since I have run a command line scan.

I don't know what you mean. When you boot from the disk (or the USB key) you are presented with a menu. The first item on the menu is scan. There is no need to access the command line at all.

If you don't like the AVG scanner then try a different one. I used it because it's free and easy to use and, aparently, solved my problem.

The important thing is that you should run a virus scanner from outside of Windows - preferably using a completely different operating system.

Another alternative would be to install dual boot linux (e.g. Ubuntu) and then use something like ClamAV. I blogged about this some time ago here: Protect your PC with Linux (Dual-boot) | Houldsworth's Random Ramblings

Good luck!!

I ran a scan with MBAM Malwarebytes and I have KIS 2013 installed so I have faith that I'm not infected. That AVG disk is run from the menu but basically it's like a command line scanner for use if you can't start Windows or you are stuck. I thought it was a little different. It has other tools also, so it's probably good for people that have faith in AVG, but as I said I have some good stuff installed and I do have faith in it. Glad it worked to straighten yours out, but the whole issue with Chrome and Outlook links opening and crashing Chrome like that sucks. I've also used the Chrome forum and never got an answer.

 

[houldsworth1]

I ran a scan with MBAM Malwarebytes and I have KIS 2013 installed so I have faith that I'm not infected.

I think you may be missing my point.

I have MS Security Essentials installed and ran full scans with that AND with Malwarebytes. Neither of them reported any viruses. Only when I ran a scan outside of Windows did I get a hit.

So my point is this. If you are running a scan from within Windows then a system infected with a smart virus may not report accurately because the virus interferes with the scan. That cannot happen if you boot into Linux (boot from CD or USB drive) and run the scan from there. That is what the AVG rescue disk does for you.

Until you have run a scan from outside of Windows you cannot be sure that you don't have a virus regardless of which AV program you run.

 

[YoYo155]

Hi , what houldsworth1 is suggesting is that you run a "more aggressive" scan
using a live environment.
I usually recommend Kaspersky rescue CD.

I would complete the following,

• Download TDSS-Killer and scan for rootkits. -Read the instructions at the download page.
• Download Kaspersky Rescue CD and scan for other types of infections. (a how-to tutorial)
• Download Malwarebytes and DON'T activate the trail (uncheck the box at the end of the installation)
• Follow this tutorial on how to use the SFC/ SCANNOW tool in Windows.

(*Kaspersky Rescue CD from a USB thumbdrive)

 

[houldsworth1]

I usually recommend Kaspersky rescue CD.

Thanks. I wasn't aware Kaspersky also produced a rescue CD. I'll have to add that to the arsenal of AV tools

 

[YoYo155]

You're welcome .
Most respectable AV companies produce a "rescue-CD" of sort,
I've had the most positive experience with Kaspersky's which is why I tend to suggest it over the others.

 

[julio99]

No I understood what he wanted me to do I was just thinking what good is running my AV(KIS2013) if it can't do the job and MBAM. Well just to get on the Linux bus I did have an updated version of Kaspersky's rescue disk and of course like I thought it came up clean plus just for the sake of it I downloaded Comodos Rescue Disk, but for some reason I couldn't get it to update the AV Defs. Another thing Houldsworth1 and YoYo155 some of these linux based rescue disks don't run wireless and that sucked for me because my ethernet cable that is running from my modem to my router came up short and my acer laptop is almost 19 inches, so I don't move it if I don't have to. It's kind of like a laptop desktop. I have this link for 26 of the best linux rescue disks and I was quite surprised to see a few of the ones on there. I didn't want to post it because of forum rules about links so if anyones interested just ask and I'll get it to you somehow to give you some assortment. Getting back to the main purpose of this scanning for malware and getting links to open in Outlook properly without crashing Chrome, unfortunately for me it still crashes when I try andd open an Outlook 2010 link without my Chrome browser already open. The Outlook links open perfectly in Firefox even when it's closed so this is 100% pure Chrome issue. Just have to see if someone has a solution if there is one. Like I said before I have even written in the Outlook forums and Microsoft Office forums and have yet to get an answer. Thanks for all the HELP guys.

 

[houldsworth1]

some of these linux based rescue disks don't run wireless and that sucked for me because my ethernet cable that is running from my modem to my router came up short

Yes, I have that problem too. Everything in the house is wireless and so I had to use my laptop to get the updates and then run from the USB.

I'd be interested to see the list of rescue disks - can you PM it to me if you don't want to post it here.

Sorry to hear you're still having trouble.

 

[julio99]

some of these linux based rescue disks don't run wireless and that sucked for me because my ethernet cable that is running from my modem to my router came up short

Yes, I have that problem too. Everything in the house is wireless and so I had to use my laptop to get the updates and then run from the USB.

I'd be interested to see the list of rescue disks - can you PM it to me if you don't want to post it here.

Sorry to hear you're still having trouble.

I'd be glad to link you that list. Shoot me an email and I'll return it as soon as I get it. It's pretty cool the way they put these together. I have no problem posting the link here as long as it's cool. I don't see the rules but that doesn't mean there isn't one and I don't want to step on toes. If you can find a listing or rule that says it's cool to post it and I'll do it that way or if you feel like sending me an address that's fine too.

 

[A Guy]

Comprehensive List of 26 Bootable Antivirus Rescue CDs for Offline Scanning ? Raymond.CC

A Guy

 

[mrcyberdoc]

Email links to Google Chrome Crash

I have seen on several forums the problem above. Clicking on a link in my email will not load in Google Chrome and says extensions have crashed. Finally I have found a solution:

Go to Google Chrome settings / advanced settings / system
Check "Continue running background apps..."

Problem solved.