Google Chrome Critical Error. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Google Chrome Critical Error is a technical support scam urging users to giveaway their personal details
Google Chrome Critical Error is a fake pop-up alert that may show up out of nowhere during internet browsing sessions. Visually, the red page resembles legitimate Google Chrome warning that appears when users are about to visit a dangerous site. Instead, however, users are presented with a lengthy message, claiming that a trojan horse may have already damaged hard disc files and some of the personal data is at the risk of exposure. To “fix” the issue victims are then prompted to call “Help Desk” via the provided telephone number.
| SUMMARY | |
| Name | Google Chrome Critical Error |
|---|---|
| Type | Adware |
| Sub-type | Technical support scam |
| Related scams | Microsoft Edge Critical ERROR; Mozilla Firefox Critical ERROR; Internet Explorer Critical ERROR |
| Infiltration method | Software bundling, deceptive websites |
| Main dangers | Money loss, personal data expose to cybercrooks |
| Elimination | Automatic – using Reimage; manual – instructions below |
Google Chrome Critical Error virus is a technical scam that belongs to the group of Critical ERROR scam that target Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Hence, Chrome users are also in the target eye of tech support scammers.
Just like many other online scams, this Google Critical error also aims to trick users into calling fake technicians due to computer infection or possible threats to their private information. Authors of this scam use +1(888)-562-5234 phone number. However, security specialists from Los Virus[1] warn that crooks might use countless other numbers.
Most of the time, users encounter Google Chrome Critical Error red screen when their machines are infected with adware.[2] The ad-supported application, which may have arrived on the system in a software bundle, might also:
- redirect to other commercial or potentially dangerous websites;
- display ads, pop-ups or banners;
- turn random texts into hyperlinks;
- provide fake shopping offers or discounts;
- spread malware-laden ads.
However, the main task of this potentially unwanted program is to open affected browser’s tab and shows the following Google Chrome Critical error message:
Google Chrome Critical ERROR
There was a dangerous try to get an access to your personal information & bank information.
Luckily, your Firewall managed to block this suspicious connection.
We recommend you to freeze your accounts until some measures will be taken.
There is a great threat of leaking of your personal data.
So, you need to respond swiftly!
Trojan Virus may have already hurt your hard disk and its data.
That is why we are checking and verifying your current system security.
Do not waste your time and consult one of our service centers or call us.Contact number + 1 (888) 563-5234 (TOLL-FREE)
Your urgent response is needed.
To deal with this problem, contact our network administration.
Click 'Start -> Control Panel -> Programs and Features' (if you are 'Windows XP' user, click on 'Add/Remove Programs').
If you are 'Windows 10 / Windows 8' user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once 'Quick Access Menu' shows up, select 'Control Panel' and 'Uninstall a Program'.
Right click on each of suspicious entries and select 'Uninstall'
Cick 'Go' and select 'Applications'
Click on every malicious entry and select 'Move to Trash'
Click on menu icon and select 'Manage add-ons'
Right click on each of malicious entries and select 'Disable'
Delete malicious URL, enter your desired domain name and click 'Apply' to save changes
Go to 'Advanced' tab and click on 'Reset' button. Now select 'Delete personal settings' and click on 'Reset' button again
Go to Settings and select 'Choose what to clear'
Select 'Clear' button
Open the start menu and select 'Task Manager'
Right-click 'Microsoft Edge' and select 'Go to details'
Select 'More details' if 'Go to details' option fails to show up
Find Microsoft Edge entries and select 'End Task'
Go to Microsoft Edge folder on your computer, right-click every entry and click 'Delete'
Find Windows PowerShell, right-click it and select 'Run as administrator'
Copy and paste a required command and press 'Enter'
Click on menu icon and select 'Add-ons'
Select 'Extensions' and look for malicious entries. Click 'Remove' to get rid of each of them
Click on menu icon and then on '?'. Select 'Troubleshooting Information'
Click on 'Reset Firefox' button for a couple of times
Click on menu icon. Select 'Tools' and 'Extensions'
Look for malicious entries and delete each of them by clicking on the Trash bin icon
When in 'Settings', select 'Manage search engines...'
Click 'X' to remove malicious URLs
When in 'Settings', scroll down to 'Reset browser settings' button and click on it
Click on 'Reset' button to complete your removal
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Preferences'
Go to 'Extensions' and uninstall malicious add-ons
Click on 'Safari' and select 'Reset Safari...'
Select all options and click on 'Reset' button
However, calling authors of Google Chrome Critical Error will bring you problems. Crooks might want to sell you useless security software, get remote access to your PC, install malware[3] or steal personal information. Hence, do not call them!
If redirects to this site continue, you have to remove Google Chrome Critical Error adware immediately. Keep in mind that this PUP may have arrived on the system as browser extension or program, so system investigation is needed.
However, you can speed up Google Chrome Critical Error removal by scanning the system with Reimage or another anti-malware software. After the scan, we highly recommend resetting Google Chrome too.
Adware can be obtained when installing free software incorrectly
Users typically call fake tech support because they get scared[4] that their computer and personal data may be at risk, especially if they never death with such a fake screen before (mind that some scams might lock the screen to make it more believable). Victims typically have no idea that the fake pop-up message came from adware which infiltrated their machines via software bundling. That is why such scams can be hugely successful, and crooks will continue to abuse naive individuals.
Nevertheless, it is relatively easy to protect yourself from adware and other PUPs. Despite freeware developers' recommendations, never pick Recommended/Standard/Quick installation settings. Instead, opt for Advanced/Custom mode. This way you will be able to remove all the tick marks next to optional installs before the process is complete.
Additionally, we advise users to learn about scams, how to recognize[5] them and how to avoid them if the skimming attempt was made (as we already mentioned, people may be redirected to phishing site even without their PC being affected by adware).
Google Chrome Critical Error adware must be eliminated ASAP
Redirects to technical support scam will stop when you remove Google Chrome Critical Error virus from the affected machine. For that, you have two options. The first one suggests locating and terminating adware manually by following the steps below. Beware that this method requires your full attention as incorrect procedure might hurt your computer instead of fixing it. Also, be patient, as manual elimination requires some time to complete.
The second Google Chrome Critical Error removal method is more straightforward than the first one. It requires obtaining anti-malware program and scanning the device with an updated tool. If you have adware on your system, it would not be surprising if there would be other PUPs installed as well. Thus, automatic removal can also help you find additional unwanted applications quickly and get rid of them for good.
If you already contacted cybercriminals, you can report the fraud to your local authorities. Additionally, in case you paid for something, contact your bank and ask if reverting payment(s) is possible.
You can remove Google Chrome Critical Error automatically with a help of one of these programs: Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, Malwarebytes Anti Malware. We recommend these applications because they can easily delete potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
To remove Google Chrome Critical Error, follow these steps:
Remove Google Chrome Critical Error from Windows systems
Follow these steps to eliminate Google Chrome Critical Error tech support scam from Windows machine:
-
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
-
If you are Windows 10 / Windows 8 user, then right-click in the lower left corner of the screen. Once Quick Access Menu shows up, select Control Panel and Uninstall a Program.
-
Uninstall Google Chrome Critical Error and related programs
Here, look for Google Chrome Critical Error or any other recently installed suspicious programs. -
Uninstall them and click OK to save these changes.
Eliminate Google Chrome Critical Error from Mac OS X system
-
If you are using OS X, click Go button at the top left of the screen and select Applications.
-
Wait until you see Applications folder and look for Google Chrome Critical Error or any other suspicious programs on it. Now right click on every of such entries and select Move to Trash.
Uninstall Google Chrome Critical Error from Internet Explorer (IE)
-
Remove dangerous add-ons
Open Internet Explorer, click on the Gear icon (IE menu) on the top right corner of the browser and choose Manage Add-ons. -
You will see a Manage Add-ons window. Here, look for Google Chrome Critical Error and other suspicious plugins. Disable these entries by clicking Disable:
-
Change your homepage if it was altered by virus:
Click on the gear icon (menu) on the top right corner of the browser and select Internet Options. Stay in General tab. -
Here, remove malicious URL and enter preferable domain name. Click Apply to save changes.
-
Reset Internet Explorer
Click on the gear icon (menu) again and select Internet options. Go to Advanced tab. - Here, select Reset.
-
When in the new window, check Delete personal settings and select Reset again to complete Google Chrome Critical Error removal.
Get rid of Google Chrome Critical Error from Microsoft Edge
Reset Microsoft Edge settings (Method 1):
- Launch Microsoft Edge app and click More (three dots at the top right corner of the screen).
- Click Settings to open more options.
-
Once Settings window shows up, click Choose what to clear button under Clear browsing data option.
-
Here, select all what you want to remove and click Clear.
-
Now you should right-click on the Start button (Windows logo). Here, select Task Manager.
- When in Processes tab, search for Microsoft Edge.
-
Right-click on it and choose Go to details option. If can’t see Go to details option, click More details and repeat previous steps.
-
When Details tab shows up, find every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right click on each of them and select End Task to end these entries.
Resetting Microsoft Edge browser (Method 2):
If Method 1 failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method.
- Note: you need to backup your data before using this method.
- Find this folder on your computer:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe. -
Select every entry which is saved on it and right click with your mouse. Then Delete option.
- Click the Start button (Windows logo) and type in window power in Search my stuff line.
-
Right-click the Windows PowerShell entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Once Administrator: Windows PowerShell window shows up, paste this command line after PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> and press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml -Verbose}
Once these steps are finished, Google Chrome Critical Error should be removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
WindowsMac OS XInternet ExplorerMicrosoft EdgeFirefoxGoogle ChromeSafariDelete Google Chrome Critical Error from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
-
Remove dangerous extensions
Open Mozilla Firefox, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Add-ons → Extensions. -
Here, select Google Chrome Critical Error and other questionable plugins. Click Remove to delete these entries.
-
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Click on the Firefox menu on the top left and click on the question mark. Here, choose Troubleshooting Information. -
Now you will see Reset Firefox to its default state message with Reset Firefox button. Click this button for several times and complete Google Chrome Critical Error removal.
Erase Google Chrome Critical Error from Google Chrome
Uninstall suspicious add-ons and reset Google Chrome to stop redirects to technical support scam website:
-
Delete malicious plugins
Open Google Chrome, click on the menu icon (top right corner) and select Tools → Extensions. -
Here, select Google Chrome Critical Error and other malicious plugins and select trash icon to delete these entries.
-
Click on menu icon again and choose Settings → Manage Search engines under the Search section.
-
When in Search Engines..., remove malicious search sites. You should leave only Google or your preferred domain name.
-
Reset Google Chrome
Click on menu icon on the top right of your Google Chrome and select Settings. -
Scroll down to the end of the page and click on Reset browser settings.
-
Click Reset to confirm this action and complete Google Chrome Critical Error removal.
Remove Google Chrome Critical Error from Safari
-
Remove dangerous extensions
Open Safari web browser and click on Safari in menu at the top left of the screen. Once you do this, select Preferences. -
Here, select Extensions and look for Google Chrome Critical Error or other suspicious entries. Click on the Uninstall button to get rid each of them.
-
Reset Safari
Open Safari browser and click on Safari in menu section at the top left of the screen. Here, select Reset Safari.... -
Now you will see a detailed dialog window filled with reset options. All of those options are usually checked, but you can specify which of them you want to reset. Click the Reset button to complete Google Chrome Critical Error removal process.
About the author
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References
- ^ Los Virus. Los Virus. Spanish cyber security news.
- ^ Adware. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Robert Abel. Tech support scam used to spread cryptominer Coinhive's Monero. SC Magazine. Breaking news on cybersecurity, cybercrime, industry insight and security product reviews.
- ^ Scam Alert: Beware Scare Tactics. IDShield. Personal data leak prevention techniques.
- ^ Jonathan Strickland. How to Detect Online Scams. HowStuffWorks. Tech information site.