Chrome: Issues with Google

mysticsniper · 11 Jan 2015 at 19:43

Last night I logged onto my computer and I loaded up Chrome, but every time I tried to access google, youtube, google maps and even gmail I am presented with an error message

I can access the google store, but when I try to download anything I get an error message "network failed"

The webpage at https://www.youtube.com/?feature=ytca might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.
Error code: ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED

The webpage at https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?source=search_app&gfe_rd=cr&ei=6M-yVIHtLonDULmNgqgC&gws_rd=ssl might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address.
Error code: ERR_CONNECTION_CLOSED

When I tried to manually access google from IE I am presented with some strange symbols

I am using Chrome at the moment and I can access this site and any other site, except those owned by Google. :confused:

I have run malwarebytes, full AV scan and both are showing up as clean, no threats found.

I am running Win 8.1.
I have tried a system restore, but then same issue persists.

Any idea's?

ED209 · 11 Jan 2015 at 20:13

check your host file has not been altered.

c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\

double click on the file called "Hosts" and use notepad to open it, mine looks like this and I am on windows 7

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost

some viruses and malware can alter this file which stops you accessing certain sites

ED209 · 11 Jan 2015 at 20:17

if it has been amended or altered use the below link to reset it

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972034/en-gb

Randomface74 · 11 Jan 2015 at 20:19

If your hosts file has been modified, your PC has been owned. Reinstall Windows and change your passwords.

ED209 · 11 Jan 2015 at 20:23

when I go to google.co.uk in my address bar I see this

https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl

I cant see all of yours but it looks slightly different in your screen shot

mysticsniper · 11 Jan 2015 at 21:15

This is from my hosts file

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost

mysticsniper · 11 Jan 2015 at 21:29

I think I have found the issue.

My Kaspersky Pure URL advisor and web AV was set to it's maximum level. Which is weird as I haven't changed anything recently.

It's now back at it's custom level and I can now access Google from within Chrome.

Panic over and I can now reconnect my hard drives

Cheers for your quick replies.

ED209 · 12 Jan 2015 at 10:03

no problem, glad its sorted and was a easy fix