Google Chrome/Windows 8 Problem

[stephec]

I've just got a new laptop with Windows 8, which has worked with internet explorer for the past couple of days.

This afternoon my lad installed Google Chrome, and the next time I logged on IE wouldn't start up from my desktop.

When I open IE from my desktop it just sits with a blank page, and trying to open it from the Windows 8 app just redirects it to IE on the desktop instead of opening it direct.

I tried to uninstall Chrome, but each time I get a message saying 'please close all google chrome windows (including those in windows 8 mode) and try again.'

I get this even though I've shut down and restarted, and not opened any IE or chrome windows.

Even going into the program files and trying to drag it to the recycle bin gives the same problem.

Short of throwing it out of the window I am now stuck, does anyone know how I might be able to solve this?

 

[PaulSB]

Have you looked at restore? Windows should be set to automatically create restore points regularly and possibly when new software is installed.

Check if this is the case and simply restore to a point prior to the Google Chrome installation. Should only take a few minutes to run.

If its brand new and you haven't put much data on yet it would be simple to use the recovery DVDs to put the machine back to its new state. Obviously this is a bit drastic and you'll have to go through the whole set up process again afterwards which can take a long time.

 

[MossCommuter]

'Work around to uninstall is make another browser as default and then uninstall chrome'

http://code.google.com/p/chromium/issues/detail?id=154663

 

[stephec]

A bit of an update -

Last night a windows update started, it started off ok, but since about half ten last night it's been stuck on installing update 9 of 14, and I have a message in the bottom right corner saying, "Your PC will restart in 1 day to finish installing important updates."

And another thing, has anyone ever managed to get through to Dell telephone support, or have you just ended up listening to Frank Sinatra's entire back catalogue?

 

[PaulSB]

I would look at running restore in your position.

If that fails use the recovery discs.

 

[stephec]

Being a complete simpleton I'm going to have to ask, how do I do that?

 

[PaulSB]

I have windows 7 not 8 but it will be very similar. Easy option is to do a System Restore from a restore point which Windows should be creating for you automatically.

1. In the search box type "restore"
2. Chose "restore your computer to an earlier time" (or similar)
3. Chose "Open System Restore"
4. Do "Next"
5. You will open a window which says "restore your computer to the state it was in before the selected event"

This will show a list of descriptions and types:
Automatic Restore Point - System
Windows Update - Critical Update
Etc depending on what you have been doing

If there is one which mentions install Google Chrome chose this one. If not chose the one with the date prior to when you know Google Chrome was installed

6. Select your chosen restore point
7. Do "Next"
8. Do "Finish"

Windows should do the rest for you. It will probably close down and restart the machine

Remember this is a Microsoft Windows action - it can't do any harm but will remove programmes you installed after the chosen restore date.

If this doesn't work and you really are a computer simpleton I would ask someone for help with the second option which is to use the Recovery discs. I'm no geek but I can do this but wouldn't want to suggest its done by someone unfamiliar with System Restore.

Good luck - it isn't difficult and you can't break anything if you follow the Windows dircetions

 

[MrJamie]

Since I'm using Windows 8 at the moment, I might be able to help a little

From the Start Screen (says start top left) - if you're anywhere else hit the windows key to get to the start screen...
1. Type "System Restore", without the quotes
2. On the search options on the right, select "settings"
3. Click "create a restore point" - a bit misleading, but it loads system restore
4. Click the "system restore" button

It will then recommend a restore point and will tell you which programs will be affected, you may need to click the "choose a different restore point". These are like save points it makes prior to windows updates and certain installs. You need to choose one prior to the install of Chrome.

I would suggest that it would be tidier to use the workaround uninstall of Chrome, but I have no idea why your IE doesn't work.

In addition to System Restore, Windows 8 has some quite nice recovery options where it refreshes the install with or without removing your programs/settings which I would look into before you reinstall from a recovery disk

 

[stephec]

THanks guys,when it finally finishes it's update I'll have a meddle.