Computer 'hijacker' about:blank: I'm running Win 8.1 and am totally happy with the operating system since moving up from Win. 7, but have recently encountered a kidnapper that takes...

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

I'm running Win 8.1 and am totally happy with the operating system since moving up from Win. 7, but have recently encountered a kidnapper that takes over my page of choice in my browser, (Chrome). It's called 'about:blank', and instead of Chrome displaying the home page I set, it displays a blank page. I've read 'till I'm almost cross-eyed, finding info both pro and con regarding this 'infiltrator'. Some say it's a virus, some say it's just an irritant. Problem though is I've found nothing that will eliminate it. I have tried three different antivirus programs, all purported as ones that will eliminate 'about:blank', but none have.
Anyone know of a magic bullet to get rid of this pesky trouble maker?
Out of desperation, (and exhaustion), I've switched my default browser to Firefox instead, but I would like to rid Chrome of the the unwelcome invader!

Hoot72 Loc: Lexington, KY

Have you tried this: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=376365

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I set about:blank as my home page myself because I did not want to open up on someone elses website. For what? I wouldn't there long. You will have to rest you home default page to what web site you like. Me, I perfer about:blank.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Bangee5 wrote:

I set about:blank as my home page myself because I did not want to open up on someone elses website. For what? I wouldn't there long. You will have to rest you home default page to what web site you like. Me, I perfer about:blank.

about:blank is known as a 'kidnapper', and resetting your preference for the home page you prefer does no good. It reverts back to about:blank. Thanks for your input.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I am not sure how it works in windows 8 but in XP and Vista go to the page you want as your home page then open Tools, Internet options. Make sure that the page that you are on is listed in the box and if so, click use current, then apply, then ok.

Like I said, this is Windows XP and Vista. I don't have Windows 8 but I am running IE9 on a Vista OS.

about:blank is a part of internet explore. If you don't want a home page then you can use about:blank. I don't know what you mean as a "kidnapper" since you also have the option to use blank.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Bangee5 wrote:

I am not sure how it works in windows 8 but in XP ... (show quote)

Thanks Bangees. Yes, Win 8 works the same way. That of course was the first steps I took but the 'about:blank' takes over in subsequent uses anyway, even after physically setting my preferred site. Appreciate your input though. I'm corresponding directly with Malware Corp. and they have sent several 'suggested approaches', all of which have not worked, so far. They sent another 'tool' this A.M. called 'FRST' which I ran. It, like all the rest, made no difference. Perplexed, but determined!

rocketride Loc: Upstate NY

Papa Joe wrote:

Thanks Bangees. Yes, Win 8 works the same way. T... (show quote)

Are you sure it's not one of your antivirus/antimalware programs doing this in the first place? Iobit Malware Fighter, for instance has a group of settings that does something like this. Though instead of about:blank, it sets to a site that filters incoming search results. This isn't necessarily nefarious. I find it annoying, but others consider it useful protection.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

rocketride wrote:

Are you sure it's not one of your antivirus/antimalware programs doing this in the first place? Iobit Malware Fighter, for instance has a group of settings that does something like this. Though instead of about:blank, it sets to a site that filters incoming search results. This isn't necessarily nefarious. I find it annoying, but others consider it useful protection.

Thanks for the input, Rocketride, anything is possible. I'll double check IOBit's settings.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Papa Joe wrote:

I'm running Win 8.1 and am totally happy with the ... (show quote)

I will offer an opinion, but there may be little validity to it. If you right click on a hyperlink (to open the new page in a separate tab) that would have opened a new window or tab on it's own, you will see the "about:blank" new window or tab. I don't know why this is. If you simply left click on the link you will go to the page (or window or tab) you wanted. I don't know how you can tell the difference between the two kinds of hyperlinks. If you get the "about:blank" tab, just close it and left click on the hyperlink you wanted to follow. It will likely open in a new window.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Falcon wrote:

I will offer an opinion, but there may be little v... (show quote)

Thanks Falcon. It's actually not causing any (visible) problem, but it prevents my preferred 'home page' from appearing when I start the Chrome Browser. I've read conflicting opinions as to whether or not it's a trouble-maker, but I would just like to be able to set my home page and have it remain as I set it, rather than 'about:blank' taking it over.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Papa Joe wrote:

Thanks Falcon. It's actually not causing any (visible) problem, but it prevents my preferred 'home page' from appearing when I start the Chrome Browser. I've read conflicting opinions as to whether or not it's a trouble-maker, but I would just like to be able to set my home page and have it remain as I set it, rather than 'about:blank' taking it over.

OK, I think I remember the same situation on my computer several months ago when I upgraded from XP to Win7. I think my solution was to go to the "tools" button in chrome (three horizontal bars on the far right), select "settings." Go to the "On Startup" paragraph and select "Open New Tab Page." Then, just below go to the "Appearance" paragraph, select "Show Home Button" and where you have an opportunity to change the new tab page click "change." It is a good bet that "about:blank" is set as your home page. If this doesn't work, then we have exhausted my fund of Chrome knowledge. Good luck!

rocketride Loc: Upstate NY

Papa Joe wrote:

Thanks for the input, Rocketride, anything is possible. I'll double check IOBit's settings.

You're welcome.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Falcon wrote:

OK, I think I remember the same situation on my co... (show quote)

Thanks Falcon; been there, done that, many times. It continues to revert to the 'about:blank' page. If some 'virus inventor' was looking for recognition, he/she certainly deserves it because of how stubborn this one is!!

RMM Loc: Suburban New York

Papa Joe is right, there is an "about:blank" hijacker. You might try MalwareBytes or CCleaner, both of which can be downloaded from CNET.com.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Ok, now you have me thinking... like I said, I have my home page set to about:blank because that is where I want it to be. Is this a mistake? Am I open to an attack. Yesterday Norton stopped five attacks to my computer in a matter of seconds apart but I have been attacked before. I don't see where about:blank has anything to do with this.

One more thing. Sometimes when I click a link I see a about:blank page pop up but then disappear. I figured this has something to do with the way IE8 works. Never was a problem that I know of.