Hello, Im not sure i have the right forum for this issue but here goes..

    

i have been, for the last several days attempting to "fix" this about:blank redirect problem i have had ongoing for about a year.  it slows down everything. when i go to anything, a webpage it hangs for a few seconds to a minute or so, sometimes it will stop the search and i have to type in the URL or page i want.  its not a homepage thing, it doesnt come up when i open a new tab or the bring the browser up, just when i go to a new webpage, and usually when i click an external link...it doesnt effect my home page or start up page, just redirects me to it then onto the page i wanted. 

So far i have cleaned my system, checked for malware, reset my chrome, uninstalled and re-installed Chrome. Updated everything, flushed, the dns, checked for disc errors, ran tool upon tool with the help of a tech forum(bleeping computers). This machine is clean!

This happens in chrome and firefox. Although, it seems to hang with chrome more and firefox just zips through it like its just part of the search path.I have also noticed it when i was using IE and that was a disaster, so not going back there.. btw, i really do prefer chrome over firefox, as it seems to have less crash issues.

Anyway, Ive had this problem forever! with every computer or laptop ive ever had. I asked about it before and nobody seemed to know anything about it.  You think there would be a tool or or workaround or at least more tech help available with about:blank

Windows 8.1 64 bit; Desktop (UTD)
Google Chrome (UTD)
Avast avp
Malwarebytes
SuperAntispyware
Ccleaner

(all UTD)

ADD ONS FOR CHROME:
Adblock Plus
Fairshare
Pin it Button
Scroll to Top
Social Fixer
Tampermonkey
Weatherbug 
Wot

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide! :)

• Edited by AngelWhite432 Friday, June 26, 2015 6:42 PM Additional information

Hi thanks for the timely response :)

This is the last thread from Bleeping Computers

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/578667/aboutblank-possible-malware/

i made another one but no one has replied (i think theyre busy). 

"That's too bad because that's where I could suggest some diagnostics. "

I just meant that i dont want to use it for my browsing.  Some people have suggested that i go back to it as Chrome has laggy issues, and Firefox crashes..  I have not had any serious malware/trojens since i moved to Firefox and Chrome. Idk if i even have IE on this machine.

I think some of the problem is in Chrome, because it the about:blank is there with Firefox but does not seem to hold up any browsing. 

Thanks again for any help.

Well man I think it is the problem of internet connection or with some addons.

Install any other browser such as opera and try again and don't try risking your computer by opening internet explorer.

Can you tell the specs of your computer?

• Edited by Bhavesh Goel 13 hours 17 minutes ago

I see you've had three (3) threads in bloomingcomputer.com forums, two (2) of which came to the conclusion that you were NOT seeing the effects of an ongoing infection. That being said and assuming Win8.1 64-bit...

Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably without quoting this post:

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the computer?

1b. Did the computer come with Win8 (or Win8.1) preinstalled, did you do a clean install of Win8 (or Win8.1), or did you upgrade a (e.g., Win7) computer to Win8?

1c. Assuming you started with Win8 => When (approx. date) was Win8.1 installed?

1d. Have you ever done a Refresh or a Reset? See http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

2a. When (exact date, preferably) does your current Avast Pro subscription expire? [If it's Avast Free, when (exact date) does your current annual license expire?]

2b. In Windows Explorer [WinKey+E], navigate to & right-click on:

• C:\Program Files\Avast Software <=this folder

Select PROPERTIES: What's the CREATED date displayed on the resulting GENERAL tab?

3a. Is MBAM Premium or MBAM Free installed? Has MBAM ever detected & quarantined anything since 07 June 2015?

3b. Is S*PERAntiSpyware (SAS) Pro or SAS Free installed? Has SAS ever detected & removed anything (other than harmless third-party cookies) since 07 June 2015?

4. Has a Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer since you bought it?

5. Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)

6a. Is KB3058515, KB3059317 and/or KB3057839 listed in Installed Updates (not Update History)? [1]

6b. How about KB3035583, KB2976978 and/or KB3044374?

7a. [Yes, you have Internet Explorer installed!] What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE11's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 11.0.54 (KB1231231) ?

7b. Is Firefox v38.0.5 installed? ...Chrome v43.0.2357.130?

7c. Are any other alternate browsers installed?

8. Is Adobe Flash Player v18.0.0.194 for Internet Explorer installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

9a. Are you getting the unchangeable about:blank home page in Internet Explorer and/or Firefox and/or Chrome?

9b. Does the unchangeable about:blank home page issue persist in Internet Explorer if you start the computer in "clean boot troubleshooting" mode? cf. https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/929135

9b. ...if you temporarily uninstall iCloud?

10. Do you have backups of ALL the changes System Mechanic, CCleaner's Reigstry Cleaner component and any/all other "registry cleaners" have EVER made to the computer? [2]

=======================================================
[1] Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)
[2] Injudicious use of registry cleaners may be playing a role here. TIP: If you ever again think your Registry needs to be cleaned, repaired, boosted, tuned-up, cured, tweaked, fixed, maximized, "swept" or optimised (it doesn't), read this article (and related links cited therein) then draw your own conclusions. Also related => http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2563254

Okay then I will give you a simple and straight advice,

just UPDATE your windows and please reply whether it's genuine or pirated.

Robear Dyer (PA Bear):

I purchased this pc around sept 2014
It came with Win 8.1 64bit
I have never reset it, not even a rollback to earlier date.
Avast free expires 11/15/15
MBAM is free and no detection since that date
SAS is free and no detection since that date

There seems to be a McAfee folder on this pc but never used it.  And they did send a copy of a different av software with the pc when purchased [WEBROOT]. I used it for about 3 weeks, nothing ever was detected with it, i didnt like the setup or updates and went back to Avast.

all the installed updates include those updates, except for "KB2976978" i couldnt find.

Im not sure how to find the updates just for IE.. tried the alt+H+A and nothing happened. i probably did it wrong.  but found the version to be  11.0.9600.17840. i noticed to find IE i had to go into programs and 'iexplore.exe' and it actually came up as a browser, which i thought it would be a prompt to install. I thought that was strange.

Firefox and Crome both up to date, no other browsers installed.

The about:blank seems to be not showing up in IE or Chrome now. (maybe the awcleaner did it) Although, i have not set up my chrome page settings since resetting it..

Set up my google page, with all the extensions.. and it came back. Disabled each ext at a time, didnt make any difference, still showed up during search and even stopped a search at one point..  

Still does not seem to be showing up with Firefox..

• Edited by AngelWhite432 9 hours 21 minutes ago added

Okay then I will give you a simple and straight advice,

just UPDATE your windows and please reply whether it's genuine or pirated.

This is a genuine copy of windows. :)

as requested previously:

Windows edition (2013 Microsoft Corp. all rights reserved) Has a key.. 
Windows 8.1 with Bing
AMD E1-2500 with radeon HD Graphics
4 g(3.43 usable)
64-bit Operating System, x64-based processor

Well man I think it is the problem of internet connection or with some addons.

Install any other browser such as opera and try again and don't try risking your computer by opening internet explorer.

Can you tell the specs of your computer?

• Edited by Bhavesh Goel Sunday, June 28, 2015 6:06 PM

1a. I purchased this pc around sept 2014
1b. It came with Win 8.1 64bit
1d. I have never reset it, not even a rollback to earlier date.
2a. Avast free expires 11/15/15
2b. [NO ANSWER] 3a. MBAM is free and no detection since that date
3b. SAS is free and no detection since that date
4 & 5. There seems to be a McAfee folder on this pc but never used it.  And they did send a copy of a different av software with the pc when purchased [WEBROOT]. I used it for about 3 weeks, nothing ever was detected with it, i didnt like the setup or updates and went back to Avast.
6a. & 6b. all the installed updates include those updates, except for "KB2976978" i couldnt find.
7. Im not sure how to find the updates just for IE.. tried the alt+H+A and nothing happened. i probably did it wrong.  but found the version to be  11.0.9600.17840. i noticed to find IE i had to go into programs and 'iexplore.exe' and it actually came up as a browser, which i thought it would be a prompt to install. I thought that was strange.
Firefox and Crome both up to date, no other browsers installed.
8. [NO ANSWER]
9a. The about:blank seems to be not showing up in IE or Chrome now. (maybe the awcleaner did it) Although, i have not set up my chrome page settings since resetting it.
9b & 9c. [NO ANSWER]
10. [NO ANSWER]

Answer-by-number:

1. In Windows Explorer [WinKey+E], navigate to & right-click on:

• C:\Program Files\Avast Software <=this folder

Select PROPERTIES: What's the CREATED date displayed on the resulting GENERAL tab?

2. What, if any, anti-virus application was installed before you installed Avast Free, was your subscription still current & did you uninstall it before you installed Avast Free?

3. Did you purchase the computer at a Best Buy store and if so, did their Geek Squad techs sell you & install the Webroot application?

4. Have you ever run the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

• Fact: McAfee (and Norton) applications are notorious for not uninstalling (or upgrading) cleanly. The "leftovers" may be one of your troublemakers here.
• Fact: Best Buy's Geek Squad is equally notorious for not running the appropriate removal tool before installing Webroot applications (for which they a nice $$ kickback).

5. Is Adobe Flash Player v18.0.0.194 for Internet Explorer installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

6. Is "the about:blank" showing up in Firefox now?

7. Is iCloud still installed?

8. When (exact date) did you last update & scan with AdwCleaner? Is your most recent scan log available?

9. Do you have backups of ALL the changes System Mechanic, CCleaner's Reigstry Cleaner component and any/all other "registry cleaners" have EVER made to the computer?

<EDIT>

i have been, for the last several days attempting to "fix" this about:blank redirect problem i have had ongoing for about a year.

In your original thread in bleepingcomputers.com forum, you said, "Ive had this problem forever! with every computer or laptop ive ever had."

Please explain.
</EDIT>

• Edited by Robear Dyer (PA Bear)MVP 8 hours 54 minutes ago

Sorry i was having a hard time with the others, 

#8 -- No Adobe in IE
9a -- Google is my home page in IE.. about:blank was never a home page issue, just a browsing issue. when i bring up the browser initially, its Google. when i click on Youtube, it says youtube at first, then about:blank shows up and stops. i have to wait for it to respond or click the youtube link again. 
9b -- I havent tried to reboot in that mode, but i could try that.. 
9c -- I am unsure how to uninstall icloud. 

10 -- I cant find any of those backups or logs i know i have done that for ccleaner, not sure about the other, didnt have it very long (maybe a day).

Seriously, i have had this problem with every machine, mostly i ignored, in my other comment on BC i said no one ever knew what to do about it, so i basicaly dealt with it. but now its really getting annoying so i decided to look to see if anyone has figured it out.  I have always had referb'd pcs in the past, this is my first brand new one. So i figured i would be free of it.  It was even on a machine, laptop i was cleaning up for a friend.

Anyway i need to get to work, if we could continue this later, that would be great. Thanks so far for all your help. 

okay, here are the answers to the rest:

1 -- Created date displayed for Avast av -- Saturday, November 8, 2014

2 -- At first i installed the Webroot av software.  uninstalled before installing Avast.

3 -- Bought at Best Buy and the Webroot was free with purchase (promo) and yes, they never offered a removal tool of this software.

4 -- I agree about Norton or McAfee not completely unlinstalling. i never used a tool, just tried to uninstall through the add/remove programs(using Ccleaner actually)

5 -- I looked and couldnt see adobe installed for IE at all. 

6 -- About:blank does not seem to be running on firefox. but is still on chrome.

7 -- Still do not know how to uninstall icloud. i click on it, nothing in the box shows anything about disabling it or uninstalling, just pausing. i paused it lol.

8 -- I ran the adwcleaner today, following the Malware Tips guide that was mentioned earlier in this thread. and now i cannot find that log. while using the junkware removal tool, it closed everything including the notepad i had it on. Now cant find with 'search' in my files. Also the tool for junkware removal had disappeared as well. (should i run both tools again)

9 -- Again, all the logs and backups for the registry cleaners are not where i thought they would be. normally when it asks me if i want to back up before cleaning or fixing the registry, i say yes, and it just saves.  i've never had to look for them, and didnt know at the time it wasnt good to mes with those cleaners. but now i dont even touch that part of the ccleaner.  Is there a way to retrieve those logs?

Thanks again.

• Edited by AngelWhite432 1 hour 12 minutes ago

Robear Dyer (PA Bear):

I purchased this pc around sept 2014
It came with Win 8.1 64bit
I have never reset it, not even a rollback to earlier date.
Avast free expires 11/15/15
MBAM is free and no detection since that date
SAS is free and no detection since that date

There seems to be a McAfee folder on this pc but never used it.  And they did send a copy of a different av software with the pc when purchased [WEBROOT]. I used it for about 3 weeks, nothing ever was detected with it, i didnt like the setup or updates and went back to Avast.

all the installed updates include those updates, except for "KB2976978" i couldnt find.

Im not sure how to find the updates just for IE.. tried the alt+H+A and nothing happened. i probably did it wrong.  but found the version to be  11.0.9600.17840. i noticed to find IE i had to go into programs and 'iexplore.exe' and it actually came up as a browser, which i thought it would be a prompt to install. I thought that was strange.

Firefox and Crome both up to date, no other browsers installed.

The about:blank seems to be not showing up in IE or Chrome now. (maybe the awcleaner did it) Although, i have not set up my chrome page settings since resetting it..

Set up my google page, with all the extensions.. and it came back. Disabled each ext at a time, didnt make any difference, still showed up during search and even stopped a search at one point..  

Still does not seem to be showing up with Firefox..

• Edited by AngelWhite432 Sunday, June 28, 2015 10:02 PM added

1a. I purchased this pc around sept 2014
1b. It came with Win 8.1 64bit
1d. I have never reset it, not even a rollback to earlier date.
2a. Avast free expires 11/15/15
2b. [NO ANSWER] 3a. MBAM is free and no detection since that date
3b. SAS is free and no detection since that date
4 & 5. There seems to be a McAfee folder on this pc but never used it.  And they did send a copy of a different av software with the pc when purchased [WEBROOT]. I used it for about 3 weeks, nothing ever was detected with it, i didnt like the setup or updates and went back to Avast.
6a. & 6b. all the installed updates include those updates, except for "KB2976978" i couldnt find.
7. Im not sure how to find the updates just for IE.. tried the alt+H+A and nothing happened. i probably did it wrong.  but found the version to be  11.0.9600.17840. i noticed to find IE i had to go into programs and 'iexplore.exe' and it actually came up as a browser, which i thought it would be a prompt to install. I thought that was strange.
Firefox and Crome both up to date, no other browsers installed.
8. [NO ANSWER]
9a. The about:blank seems to be not showing up in IE or Chrome now. (maybe the awcleaner did it) Although, i have not set up my chrome page settings since resetting it.
9b & 9c. [NO ANSWER]
10. [NO ANSWER]

Answer-by-number:

1. In Windows Explorer [WinKey+E], navigate to & right-click on:

• C:\Program Files\Avast Software <=this folder

Select PROPERTIES: What's the CREATED date displayed on the resulting GENERAL tab?

2. What, if any, anti-virus application was installed before you installed Avast Free, was your subscription still current & did you uninstall it before you installed Avast Free?

3. Did you purchase the computer at a Best Buy store and if so, did their Geek Squad techs sell you & install the Webroot application?

4. Have you ever run the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

• Fact: McAfee (and Norton) applications are notorious for not uninstalling (or upgrading) cleanly. The "leftovers" may be one of your troublemakers here.
• Fact: Best Buy's Geek Squad is equally notorious for not running the appropriate removal tool before installing Webroot applications (for which they a nice $$ kickback).

5. Is Adobe Flash Player v18.0.0.194 for Internet Explorer installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

6. Is "the about:blank" showing up in Firefox now?

7. Is iCloud still installed?

8. When (exact date) did you last update & scan with AdwCleaner? Is your most recent scan log available?

9. Do you have backups of ALL the changes System Mechanic, CCleaner's Reigstry Cleaner component and any/all other "registry cleaners" have EVER made to the computer?

<EDIT>

i have been, for the last several days attempting to "fix" this about:blank redirect problem i have had ongoing for about a year.

In your original thread in bleepingcomputers.com forum, you said, "Ive had this problem forever! with every computer or laptop ive ever had."

Please explain.
</EDIT>

• Edited by Robear Dyer (PA Bear)MVP Sunday, June 28, 2015 10:29 PM

Sorry i was having a hard time with the others, 

#8 -- No Adobe in IE
9a -- Google is my home page in IE.. about:blank was never a home page issue, just a browsing issue. when i bring up the browser initially, its Google. when i click on Youtube, it says youtube at first, then about:blank shows up and stops. i have to wait for it to respond or click the youtube link again. 
9b -- I havent tried to reboot in that mode, but i could try that.. 
9c -- I am unsure how to uninstall icloud. 

10 -- I cant find any of those backups or logs i know i have done that for ccleaner, not sure about the other, didnt have it very long (maybe a day).

Seriously, i have had this problem with every machine, mostly i ignored, in my other comment on BC i said no one ever knew what to do about it, so i basicaly dealt with it. but now its really getting annoying so i decided to look to see if anyone has figured it out.  I have always had referb'd pcs in the past, this is my first brand new one. So i figured i would be free of it.  It was even on a machine, laptop i was cleaning up for a friend.

Anyway i need to get to work, if we could continue this later, that would be great. Thanks so far for all your help. 

okay, here are the answers to the rest:

1 -- Created date displayed for Avast av -- Saturday, November 8, 2014

2 -- At first i installed the Webroot av software.  uninstalled before installing Avast.

3 -- Bought at Best Buy and the Webroot was free with purchase (promo) and yes, they never offered a removal tool of this software.

4 -- I agree about Norton or McAfee not completely unlinstalling. i never used a tool, just tried to uninstall through the add/remove programs(using Ccleaner actually)

5 -- I looked and couldnt see adobe installed for IE at all. 

6 -- About:blank does not seem to be running on firefox. but is still on chrome.

7 -- Still do not know how to uninstall icloud. i click on it, nothing in the box shows anything about disabling it or uninstalling, just pausing. i paused it lol.

8 -- I ran the adwcleaner today, following the Malware Tips guide that was mentioned earlier in this thread. and now i cannot find that log. while using the junkware removal tool, it closed everything including the notepad i had it on. Now cant find with 'search' in my files. Also the tool for junkware removal had disappeared as well. (should i run both tools again)

9 -- Again, all the logs and backups for the registry cleaners are not where i thought they would be. normally when it asks me if i want to back up before cleaning or fixing the registry, i say yes, and it just saves.  i've never had to look for them, and didnt know at the time it wasnt good to mes with those cleaners. but now i dont even touch that part of the ccleaner.  Is there a way to retrieve those logs?

Thanks again.

• Edited by AngelWhite432 Monday, June 29, 2015 6:12 AM

Roll up your sleeves, cross your fingers...

ACTIONS

[You will want to print these instructions (or copy/paste into Notepad) for offline reference. IMPORTANT => DON'T SKIP ANY STEP & perform all Steps in one, uninterrupted session! If a Step says to reboot, reboot! None of the steps can possibly harm your computer.]

1. Right-click on the following link, select SAVE TARGET AS... & download a the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool, saving it to your desktop, too: http://us.mcafee.com/apps/supporttools/mcpr/mcpr.asp

2. Close all open applications (i.e., anything with an icon on the taskbar).

3. Right-click on the file you saved in #1 above and select Run as Administrator to run the McAfee utility. Don't TOUCH your keyboard until the run completes, then reboot again.

4. Re-assert Internet Explorer as the default Browser in the CUSTOM (<=important!) section of Set Program Access and Computer Defaults [1]

5a. Right-click on the following link and SAVE the download to your desk"http://www.slipstick.com/doit/chromehtml.reg" target="_blank">http://www.slipstick.com/doit/chromehtml.reg [2]

5b. Double-click on the file you saved in #5a above & accept the prompt to MERGE the data with the Registry.

6. Reset Internet Explorer per the instructions on this page: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/reset-ie-settings

          Note => For optimal results, check the Delete personal settings option.

7. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter from start to finish per the first paragraph on this page => http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates [3]

8. Reboot once more then test by running a manual check for updates and see if any/all updates offered (e.g., KB2976978; KB3074219) will successfully install now; follow all prompts.

  HOW TO run a manual check for updates (Option #1 or #2)
     http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/25343-windows-update-check-install-windows-8-a.html

9. Open Internet Explorer (ONLY - NOT FIREFOX OR CHROME!) to this page & confirm that Flash Player plugin for Internet Explorer v18.0.0.194 is installed => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

10. Reply to this post with a status report.

Good luck!

=========================================================
[1] After we've finished this thread, feel free to reassert one of your alternate browsers as your default, if you wish.
[2] Trusted Source: http://www.slipstick.com/problems/this-operation-has-been-cancelled-due-to-restrictions/[3] Full Disclosure: Running the Windows Update troubleshooter will delete your Update History but not the list of Installed Updates.

Hi.  Went through all the steps. IE is now running Flash Player plugin v18.0.0.194.

The about:blank does not seem to come up when clicking an external link now.  Although when i open a tab and click a link from the bookmarks bar, it comes up then.  It starts to go to the page i want, the little wheel spins backwards real slow, then goes to about:blank. If i let it sit there, sometimes it eventually(after 10-20 seconds) goes to the page or website i want, but a lot of times i have to retry the link, and then it responds and loads.

Does what i am saying make sense? It doesn't to me.. it's like a lag thing, right?