safesearch cannot turn off

[mr.mrapplez]

please help today suddenly safe search turn on i cannot even watch some of my youtube videos.
i try to turn off but it wont. i use malwarebytes scan the laptop and its clean my extensions on chrome is clean too. anyone got any idea?
I try to use bing on chrome safe search also turn on and i try to use internet explorer google and bing also same.
Some of the microsoft website cannot even load finish and sometimes facebook too.
I check my installed apps this month i dint install any thing. I have try system restore still same. Maybe google problem?

 

[Colif]

Have you looked at this page? Safe search won't turn off

have you tried restarting windows 10? Not shutting PC off and on again, use the restart PC choice in power. It might turn it off then?

 

[mr.mrapplez]

I have try restarting windows still same. I checked my installed apps all good. I run malwayrebytes scan it says good also..
Sometimes i try to login my account in some websites it keeps loading loading and loading

 

[Peter Martin]

they won't let you turn it off. switch search engines if it bugs you. I have tried everything under the sun, same on all devices. Google sucks

 

[Colif]

link shows more than just 1 scan to run, malwarebytes isn't perfect, a few opinions do help. Try running Hitman Pro as well

SafeSearch is a feature of Google Search that acts as an automated filter of pornography and potentially offensive content.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SafeSearch

So who gets to decide what is offensive? Anyway, it appears you right and you can't turn it off -

On 12 December 2012, Google removed the option to turn off the filter entirely, requiring users to enter more specific search queries to access adult content[7][8][9] But this happens only to English sites and non-English users are still required to be careful with their local language search as Google is not filtering most of the adult contents even with safe search on and with specific keywords.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SafeSearch

 

[mr.mrapplez]

link shows more than just 1 scan to run, malwarebytes isn't perfect, a few opinions do help. Try running Hitman Pro as well

SafeSearch is a feature of Google Search that acts as an automated filter of pornography and potentially offensive content.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SafeSearch

So who gets to decide what is offensive? Anyway, it appears you right and you can't turn it off -

On 12 December 2012, Google removed the option to turn off the filter entirely, requiring users to enter more specific search queries to access adult content[7][8][9] But this happens only to English sites and non-English users are still required to be careful with their local language search as Google is not filtering most of the adult contents even with safe search on and with specific keywords.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SafeSearch

i try using hitmanpro same results safesearch still turn on. i have notice my laptop is getting a bit slower.
is this normal? i open 1 tab i got 8 processes on task manager

image
https://imgur.com/a/RMkKy4H

 

[Peter Martin]

that's normal chrome behaviour

 

[Colif]

Top 2 answers here might help - link

have you tried making a new local account on PC and see if it has same problem - https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/4026923/windows-10-create-a-local-user-or-administrator-account

if it doesn't, its really easy to swap to a new user. All you need to ensure is to make it admin and copy the contents of old users account onto the new users folder at C:/users/username. That gives it same access as previous user and all you need to do is set up browsers and login to steam again (if you use steam)

 

[mr.mrapplez]

Top 2 answers here might help - link

have you tried making a new local account on PC and see if it has same problem - https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/help/4026923/windows-10-create-a-local-user-or-administrator-account

if it doesn't, its really easy to swap to a new user. All you need to ensure is to make it admin and copy the contents of old users account onto the new users folder at C:/users/username. That gives it same access as previous user and all you need to do is set up browsers and login to steam again (if you use steam)

same problem i try create a new admin account and safe search is still on.
youtube says Restricted Mode is enabled by your network administrator.
youtube safe search

 

[gardenman]

Since both Bing and Google safe searches are unchangeable, my guess would be it's your ISP blocking content, or your security software.

I think Colif already linked to [this page] and it goes over all of the possibilities. See the 2nd post on the page. If you look at the list on that page, here's the only suggestions I have.

1. Clean cache and then try typing in the address, be sure to use https

2. Disable your anti-virus temporarily. You could also try a clean boot. This would allow you to eliminate 3rd party software but I think that it's unlikely to be the culprit. If you wish to go this route, read [this page] first and be sure you hide the Microsoft service do not disable them. If you are able to change the setting while in a clean boot, then it was one of the programs you disabled that was blocking it. Re-enable all programs a few at a time until you find the problem program. Once again, I think this is highly unlikely to help.

3. Cleaning all browser cache and cookies. My guess is you already tried this. The setting is saved in a cookie file. A corrupted cookie file could cause the problem. Keep in mind that passwords and logins are often saved in cookies too so be sure you have all of that info wrote down beforehand and you will have to login to all websites again.

4. Lastly, I would be calling my ISP and asking if they are blocking content. If they are, find a new ISP.

There's a few other things you can try that's listed on the page but they are beyond my knowledge. It could be a network or DNS setting. I would consider another browser also. Firefox maybe. Also don't use an account on your browser (don't log in if asked). I hope one those help... if not, call your ISP.

 

[mr.mrapplez]

Since both Bing and Google safe searches are unchangeable, my guess would be it's your ISP blocking content, or your security software.

I think Colif already linked to [this page] and it goes over all of the possibilities. See the 2nd post on the page. If you look at the list on that page, here's the only suggestions I have.

1. Clean cache and then try typing in the address, be sure to use https

2. Disable your anti-virus temporarily. You could also try a clean boot. This would allow you to eliminate 3rd party software but I think that it's unlikely to be the culprit. If you wish to go this route, read [this page] first and be sure you hide the Microsoft service do not disable them. If you are able to change the setting while in a clean boot, then it was one of the programs you disabled that was blocking it. Re-enable all programs a few at a time until you find the problem program. Once again, I think this is highly unlikely to help.

3. Cleaning all browser cache and cookies. My guess is you already tried this. The setting is saved in a cookie file. A corrupted cookie file could cause the problem. Keep in mind that passwords and logins are often saved in cookies too so be sure you have all of that info wrote down beforehand and you will have to login to all websites again.

4. Lastly, I would be calling my ISP and asking if they are blocking content. If they are, find a new ISP.

There's a few other things you can try that's listed on the page but they are beyond my knowledge. It could be a network or DNS setting. I would consider another browser also. Firefox maybe. Also don't use an account on your browser (don't log in if asked). I hope one those help... if not, call your ISP.

im sure its not isp i try 3 different lines still the same. i have try clean cookies and https still same
i think is google or my laptop problem...
i have try the msconfig thing disable all but not microsoft service. and it is still the same

 

[gardenman]

One (last) suggestion would be to try to temporarily reset the HOSTS file. The HOSTS file allows you to block websites and change website addresses (malware often finds this useful).

I also doubt this will help. But if you are willing to give it a try, here is basically how to perform this:

#1. Rename the HOSTS file to HOSTS.old
#2. Create a new temporary default HOSTS file to replace it. You will be creating this file and saving it to your desktop and then copying it over to the correct folder.
#3. Reboot and try to change the setting again. If it works, great. If not, you need to undo what we've done.
#4. To undo it, you will delete the new temporary HOSTS file that we created.
#5. Rename the HOSTS.old back to HOSTS

Instructions from Microsoft:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default

 

[mr.mrapplez]

One (last) suggestion would be to try to temporarily reset the HOSTS file. The HOSTS file allows you to block websites and change website addresses (malware often finds this useful).

I also doubt this will help. But if you are willing to give it a try, here is basically how to perform this:

#1. Rename the HOSTS file to HOSTS.old
#2. Create a new temporary default HOSTS file to replace it. You will be creating this file and saving it to your desktop and then copying it over to the correct folder.
#3. Reboot and try to change the setting again. If it works, great. If not, you need to undo what we've done.
#4. To undo it, you will delete the new temporary HOSTS file that we created.
#5. Rename the HOSTS.old back to HOSTS

Instructions from Microsoft:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/972034/how-to-reset-the-hosts-file-back-to-the-default

i have tried your suggestion it is still the same... and now my discord and steam also have problem. i checked my task manager there are many service host:some of them are network restricted and some no networkimage
and when i try install some software require online it will give error. image
i have try use ccleaner and still have same result...any real solution for this problem?
my settings also have connection problem....setting
i try use my phone chrome the safe search is on however i can turn it off but when i close and open back again the safe search is on back automatically.
my vnc viewer also get blocked
i try to use hitman pro after install need to login it says network error also

 

[gardenman]

I have 4 or 5 Network Restricted services running on my PC. Not nearly as many as you do.

It looks more like you are having general problems connecting to the internet at all with those errors (Discord, Steam, CCleaner Update and Microsoft). This often happens with a temporary internet outage. Did those get resolved? I wouldn't try any of the other stuff below until that gets resolved. You did "undo" the HOSTS file thing by renaming your HOSTS.old back to HOSTS didn't you?

Have you tried booting up into safe mode (with Networking) to see what happens? This should eliminate any 3rd party software or drivers as being the problem. If you still have problems in safe mode then it's likely your ISP or network blocking content, which I still think is highly likely the problem.

Using CCleaner to "clean" your registry is both unnecessary and dangerous in my opinion. Also there's a big difference between "cleaning" and "fixing". Cleaning suppose to remove unnecessary entries in your registry. Sometimes it get things wrong and removes something important instead. Cleaning has about a 1% chance of fixing a problem for you (maybe a software install problem but nothing else that I can think of). Therefore you are #1: Not fixing any problems and #2: Possibly causing problems when you "clean" the registry. Removing temporary files can be useful (prior to a backup so they are not included in a backup), and sometimes fixing a webpage / browser cache problem but not much more.

Open Command Prompt and type in the following and tell me what it says:
nslookup www.google.com
(Ignore the blue link above, just type what it says).
Reference: link

I'm no networking expert, or even a beginner. I'm going by what I can see on other websites.

 

[mr.mrapplez]

I have 4 or 5 Network Restricted services running on my PC. Not nearly as many as you do.

It looks more like you are having general problems connecting to the internet at all with those errors (Discord, Steam, CCleaner Update and Microsoft). This often happens with a temporary internet outage. Did those get resolved? I wouldn't try any of the other stuff below until that gets resolved. You did "undo" the HOSTS file thing by renaming your HOSTS.old back to HOSTS didn't you?

Have you tried booting up into safe mode (with Networking) to see what happens? This should eliminate any 3rd party software or drivers as being the problem. If you still have problems in safe mode then it's likely your ISP or network blocking content, which I still think is highly likely the problem.

Using CCleaner to "clean" your registry is both unnecessary and dangerous in my opinion. Also there's a big difference between "cleaning" and "fixing". Cleaning suppose to remove unnecessary entries in your registry. Sometimes it get things wrong and removes something important instead. Cleaning has about a 1% chance of fixing a problem for you (maybe a software install problem but nothing else that I can think of). Therefore you are #1: Not fixing any problems and #2: Possibly causing problems when you "clean" the registry. Removing temporary files can be useful (prior to a backup so they are not included in a backup), and sometimes fixing a webpage / browser cache problem but not much more.

Open Command Prompt and type in the following and tell me what it says:
nslookup www.google.com
(Ignore the blue link above, just type what it says).
Reference: link

I'm no networking expert, or even a beginner. I'm going by what I can see on other websites.

i did not undo the host file thingy i follow your steps and didn't change back any thing
cmd nslookup image

 

[gardenman]

Your nslookup looks OK. I was hoping it would "prove" that it's your ISP but it doesn't seem to prove anything.

Steps 4 and 5 above are the "undo" part of the HOSTS file test:
#4. To undo it, you will delete the new temporary HOSTS file that we created.
#5. Rename the HOSTS.old back to HOSTS
This basically restores your HOSTS file to how it was before we started, if you followed the directions correctly.

I'm out of ideas but I leave you with these 2 thoughts:

#1. Contact your ISP and ask them. Refer them to this: https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/websearch/QKVKcDhCdWA/ebwjsi-rVfMJ specifically the answer from "A J Community Manager" which in part says: "If your ISP or network administrator had NoSSL enabled for your network, this new change will have put you into SafeSearch; in that case, there is not an easy way to disable it."

#2. There's also an interesting idea from "Thomas P." to reset the router on that page too (screen shots not necessary).

Any ideas from anyone else is welcome.

 

[mr.mrapplez]

Your nslookup looks OK. I was hoping it would "prove" that it's your ISP but it doesn't seem to prove anything.

Steps 4 and 5 above are the "undo" part of the HOSTS file test:
#4. To undo it, you will delete the new temporary HOSTS file that we created.
#5. Rename the HOSTS.old back to HOSTS
This basically restores your HOSTS file to how it was before we started, if you followed the directions correctly.

I'm out of ideas but I leave you with these 2 thoughts:

#1. Contact your ISP and ask them. Refer them to this: https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/websearch/QKVKcDhCdWA/ebwjsi-rVfMJ specifically the answer from "A J Community Manager" which in part says: "If your ISP or network administrator had NoSSL enabled for your network, this new change will have put you into SafeSearch; in that case, there is not an easy way to disable it."

#2. There's also an interesting idea from "Thomas P." to reset the router on that page too (screen shots not necessary).

Any ideas from anyone else is welcome.

i have restore back my host file and i try to boot into safe mode it says you need to sign in as an adminstrator to continue but there aren't any adminstrator accounts on this pc.... admin control panel image
image
i try boot into safe mode and networking by using system config it works and when i launch chrome in safe mode there is no safe search so what it the problem now?
i boot into safe mode and use malwarebytes scan also nothing found.

 

[Peter Martin]

why are you using a host file? anyway, your ISP or someone in between has forced it on. You can use DuckDuckGo and turn it off for all searches.

 

[mr.mrapplez]

why are you using a host file? anyway, your ISP or someone in between has forced it on. You can use DuckDuckGo and turn it off for all searches.

i dunno anything about host file i just follow their suggestion... not my isp i try on safe mode and networking it works no safe search but in normal mode have safe search.
cant use duckduckgo when i turn off safe search and search something it will say
This page isn’t working
duckduckgo.com didn’t send any data.
ERR_EMPTY_RESPONSE

 

[mr.mrapplez]

What happen was on 6september i turn on my laptop and safe search suddenly turn on.... on 5sept safe search is off and i didn't install or do anything to my laptop
Possible Answers
Redirect to SafeSearch VIP (intentional, unintentional or malicious) Not this one
Using a “safe” network (e.g. school or work) im using my home wifi 100% sure not this one
An installed program or app (intentional, unintentional or malicious) i have check nothing suspicious image1 image2 image3
Malware i have use multiple malware scans and remove everything still same
Browser extension(s) (intentional, unintentional or malicious) i have only 2 extensions google translate and hotspot shield
DNS settings on computer i dunno anything about this need help
DNS settings on router i dunno anything about this need help
Public Wi-Fi network forcing SafeSearch im using home private wifi not this one
Internet service provider forcing SafeSearch not this one also...
Internet security or antivirus software setting i didn't change any antivirus or internet security on that night. and i only use windows defender and i check family protection and other places all good
Operating system “family protection” settings i have checked there is no family members on my laptop...
Changed proxy settings i have check my chrome proxy setting all good
OS registry entry i dunno anything about this need help
Corrupted browser cookies i have try cleared and reset my chrome still same btw i try use ie also same safe search is on
Advanced browser settings i have check the settings all good
Different settings for different browser user accounts i only have one account and the setting is good
LASTLY i think something is blocking my or filtering my internet i try to run chrome installer also dint work it says unable connect to the internet just like when im install hitmanpro and other app thats need internet connection.

 

[COLGeek]

What anti-virus/anti-malware/security suite are you using to protect your system?

Also, if you create a new account on your PC, can that new account access sites as desired?

 

[Peter Martin]

you don't need a HOSTS file at all. an empty one, that's it. it should look like this

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost

 

[James Mason]

Is this a school or work issued laptop?