[pepper_beer]

Hello everyone! In Chrome, when using a proxy extension (now it's Proxy Switcher. Previously, there was some other extension, but the symptoms are the same), after entering credentials, you need to reload pinned tabs. After reloading, the sites in the tabs load, but their URL in the address bar changes to about:blank. As soon as any interaction with the site occurs that changes the URL (for example, https://site.com > https://site.com/about), the URL appears in the address bar.

Has anyone encountered this? Why might this happen?

[DredgenSun]

Isn't about:blank the text in the address bar if you've open a new tab but don't have a homepage?

[pepper_beer]

Isn't about:blank the text in the address bar if you've open a new tab but don't have a homepage?

Yes, that's right. It's weird and I'm trying to figure out why the browser is behaving this way. I can reproduce it in screenshots later for better clarity.

[DredgenSun]

Are you getting the same issue with different proxy addresses?


Give the following pointers a try, see if you get any luck;

1. Proxy Misconfiguration
If your proxy server is not properly set up or is experiencing issues, it may block or fail to process new connections correctly.
Try disabling the proxy and opening a new tab to see if it loads normally.

2. Browser Settings
Some browsers default to opening about:blank when a new tab is created.
Check your browser's settings for the "New Tab Page" option and set it to your preferred homepage.

3. Proxy Extension or Software Conflict
If you're using a browser extension or VPN that forces all connections through a proxy, it might be blocking normal tab behavior.
Try disabling the extension or switching to a different proxy to see if the issue persists.

4. DNS or Network Issues
Your proxy might not be resolving web addresses correctly.
Try switching to a different DNS (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and see if it helps.

5. Browser Corruption or Profile Issue
If the issue only occurs in one browser, try resetting its settings or using a different browser.
You can also create a new user profile in your browser and test if the problem persists.

6. Proxy Authentication or Restrictions
Some proxies require authentication, and if that fails, they might prevent new pages from loading.
Check if your proxy requires login credentials and ensure they are entered correctly.

Quick Fixes to Try:


Disable the proxy and test if new tabs load normally.

Check browser settings and change the "New Tab Page" option.

Try a different proxy or VPN.

Clear browser cache and cookies.

Reset browser settings or use a different profile.

[KennyXXXVI]

Isn't about:blank the text in the address bar if you've open a new tab but don't have a homepage?

Yes, that's right. It's weird and I'm trying to figure out why the browser is behaving this way. I can reproduce it in screenshots later for better clarity.

Do you have a VPN on?

[pepper_beer]

Isn't about:blank the text in the address bar if you've open a new tab but don't have a homepage?

Yes, that's right. It's weird and I'm trying to figure out why the browser is behaving this way. I can reproduce it in screenshots later for better clarity.

Do you have a VPN on?

No. This is a VM that I connect to via RDP. The browser connects directly to the proxy.