Google Chrome problem

[Karamazov]

For the last few days, I have not been able to use Google Chrome as my browser on my desktop PC (Windows 8)
I keep getting a page saying:
Your connection is not private
Attackers might be trying to steal your information from support.google.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards). NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
Automatically report details of possible security incidents to Google. Privacy policy
ReloadHIDE ADVANCED
support.google.com normally uses encryption to protect your information. When Google Chrome tried to connect to support.google.com this time, the website sent back unusual and incorrect credentials. This may happen when an attacker is trying to pretend to be support.google.com, or a Wi-Fi sign-in screen has interrupted the connection. Your information is still secure because Google Chrome stopped the connection before any data was exchanged.
You cannot visit support.google.com right now because the website uses HSTS. Network errors and attacks are usually temporary, so this page will probably work later. Learn more.

I have tried the widely advised solution of checking time/date settings but this did not resolve the problem. I've also uninstalled and reinstalled Google Chrome but still get the above.

Any solutions anyone?

Thanks,
Christine

[Guest]

have you tried clearing your cookies ? failing that have you seen these errors

https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6098869?hl=en-GB

[Karamazov]

Hi Val,
Yes I think I've tried all these.
As for cookies, I don't think there will be any, as I uninstalled Google Chrome and then reinstalled.
I also installed Mozilla yesterday as an alternative browser but have the same connection not private problem with that too.
Very frustrating...
Christine

[PeteW1959]

Are you sure the message isn't coming from your anti-virus/web security?

I would be surprised if Chrome and Firefox had exactly the same problem as they are built on different engines, and it also rules out cookies as each browser stores it's own.

[Karamazov]

I've no idea Pete!
How can I check that out? Antivirus is Microsoft Defender.
Christine

[Guest]

maybe I'm wrong but are you sure cookies get deleted when you uninstall googlechrome??
you could install and run Malwarebytes

http://filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

and maybe superantispyware

http://filehippo.com/download_superantispyware/

[PeteW1959]

Val, cookies don't automatically get deleted when you uninstall a browser, but the same is happening with Firefox and they store their cookies separately.

Looking around the internet, this is a very common problem, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive cause (or solution). For many people it has been a combination of things that have caused it, and it isn't related to just one browser or anti-virus.

Most of the solutions involve using command prompts and the registry editor, which should not be done unless you are sure you know what you are doing.

There seems to be some success with releasing and reassigning the IP address your router assigns to your PC. You can't do any permanent damage if you get this wrong, as it will automatically sort itself out when you reboot.

Click on the start menu and type 'cmd'; you should see 'command prompt' pop up. Select this and you will get a small window with a black background and white text

Type:- ipconfig /release
Return
Then:- ipconfig /renew
Return
Then:- ipconfig /flushdns
Return

If this doesn't work try turning Defender off temporarily (I'm not sure how to do this as I haven't used Defender for some time), but there should be something in the control panel, or right clicking the Defender icon in the system tray. When it is turned off, try Google again (you can be reasonably sure that Google is a safe website). If it works then the problem is being reported by Defender, but that isn't necessarily what is causing it, but it is a starting point.

[Guest]

thanks Pete I wasn't sure about the cookies.

[Karamazov]

Val, cookies don't automatically get deleted when you uninstall a browser, but the same is happening with Firefox and they store their cookies separately.

Looking around the internet, this is a very common problem, but there doesn't seem to be a definitive cause (or solution). For many people it has been a combination of things that have caused it, and it isn't related to just one browser or anti-virus.

Most of the solutions involve using command prompts and the registry editor, which should not be done unless you are sure you know what you are doing.

There seems to be some success with releasing and reassigning the IP address your router assigns to your PC. You can't do any permanent damage if you get this wrong, as it will automatically sort itself out when you reboot.

Click on the start menu and type 'cmd'; you should see 'command prompt' pop up. Select this and you will get a small window with a black background and white text

Type:- ipconfig /release
Return
Then:- ipconfig /renew
Return
Then:- ipconfig /flushdns
Return

If this doesn't work try turning Defender off temporarily (I'm not sure how to do this as I haven't used Defender for some time), but there should be something in the control panel, or right clicking the Defender icon in the system tray. When it is turned off, try Google again (you can be reasonably sure that Google is a safe website). If it works then the problem is being reported by Defender, but that isn't necessarily what is causing it, but it is a starting point.

Hi Pete,
I'd already tried turning Defender off and checking time and date settings. I've had another go at both just now, plus the incognito page tip - all to no avail.

I've had enough of it for today. If no further possible solutions forthcoming overnight, I'll give your command prompt tip a go tomorrow.
Thanks,
Christine