browser links won't open, create downloads

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Level 1

4 points

browser links won't open, create downloads

Regularly using Chrome browser on iMac running Sierra 10.12.4. Everything is fine after a fresh reboot but then eventually during the day I can no longer open any links while browsing. When I click on a link, instead of the browser redirecting to the new page, it initiates a .html file download. At this point if I open up Safari the same problem will occur. I can open the link if I right click and select "open in new tab".

Closing a re-opening Chrome has no effect. The only solution is to reboot the iMac... and wait for it to happen again. This computer is also used by other family members who experience the same problem on their own user accounts. Also I had the Geek Squad look at the machine (online service) and they didn't find a cause and were unable to prevent this from happening.

Any ideas?

Posted on Apr 23, 2017 7:50 AM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

215,736 points

Apr 23, 2017 11:44 AM in response to Snowman99

Download and run Etrecheck. Copy and paste the results into your reply. Etrecheck is a diagnostic tool that was developed by one of the most respected users here in the ASC and recommended by Apple Support to provide a snapshot of the system and help identify the more obvious culprits that can adversely affect a Mac's performance.

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Answer 2

Apr 23, 2017 7:59 AM in response to Snowman99

Not sure if there is anything useful in this Apple Knowledge Base article but you might try going through the list.

OS X El Capitan: If a webpage or link doesn’t open

Also, if you have any Virus protection or firewall software running try shutting it down or disabling it to see if that is the culprit.

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