Solved Google Chrome Faux Search Bar, Popups

[MetalMan]

Hello.
My symptoms are very similar to this thread:
Unidentified search bar appear below browser toolbar
The unidentified search bar looks identical.

Following all of the guides hasn't seemed to impact the behavior. FRST scan log attached.

I'm usually really good at preventing this sort of thing from happening, in fact it might be the first time in 10 years.
I downloaded a program I knew I shouldn't have (which should have at least gotten me a service manual for me car... but didn't). Was at least browsing privately in Chrome during this activity, though the download file was an executable. Won't be doing that again.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,

Do you still have this executable? If not, do you at least know the link you got if from?

You have problem only in Google Chrome?

 

[MetalMan]

Also, it looks like I have the same problem in FireFox, but a quick check in Internet Explorer shows it isn't affected.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yup, this one is quite popular these days.

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finishes FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

 

[MetalMan]

Thanks for the response TwinHeadedEagle.
I attached the Fixlog.txt

It seems the behavior is gone, though interestingly the behavior seemed gone even before I applied your fix.
Chrome Cleaner wasn't really working, until I tried it in Safe Mode, but it didn't have any errors.

In any case I'm calling this one "fixed" and will update if/when it returns.

Thanks!

 

[MetalMan]

Well, maybe not solved.
The behavior I'm seeing now is partially the same as before.
In Chrome, when I open a new tab, the page sometimes is automatically redirected. Sometimes it occurs before I have a chance to begin typing anything into the address bar. This behavior occurs ~75% of the time when opening a new tab.

Fortunately it's not doing the fake search bar thing any more.
And it seems this is only limited to Chrome (FireFox appears normal).

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

When you check your Chrome extensions, do you recognize them all?

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Make sure that Addition.txt option is checked.
  
  
  
  
  
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please attach report into your next reply.

 

[MetalMan]

My Chrome extensions are all ones I recognize, which are just the standard Google ones.

FRST.txt and Addition.txt attached.
Thanks again, really appreciate your help on this!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

What happens if you reset Google Chrome?

How to Reset Your Web Browser To Its Default Settings

 

[MetalMan]

What happens if you reset Google Chrome?

How to Reset Your Web Browser To Its Default Settings

Yes I had performed the Reset in Chrome several times previously. Unfortunately it doesn't modify the behavior.
Though I have to say, this behavior is sporadic. Tonight it isn't misbehaving at all... but some times it happens readily.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

You will need to make a picture what happens.