We have already covered Internet Explorer and Firefox and described, “How can we reset their settings to default without Re-installation?” Now its time to Google Chrome.
Both Internet Explorer and Firefox have direct or indirect ways to reset their settings. But in case of Google Chrome, there is no direct or indirect method. Finally we have figured out the Google Chrome, how it manages all settings and First Run instance.
How To:
Google Chrome doesn’t store any Windows Registry, instead of creates a 0KB file called First Run at the root of installation directory. Chrome checks existence of this file, when it run.
If the First Run exists, Chrome bypasses the Run first time wizard and launch browsing window, Else follow the Run first time wizard to customize settings.
So we can restore first run by simply deleting this file, the file can be found at root of installation directory or default locations:
For Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application
For Windows Vista or later
C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application
In addition, Google Chrome creates a folder User Data to store personalize settings including preferences, history, download list etc.
To Reset them, just delete all the fiiles and folders from User Data and the locations are:
For Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data
For Windows Vista or later
C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\Application\User Data
For Mac OS
~/Library/Application Support/Google/Chrome/Default
For Mac OS X
~/.config/google-chrome/Default
NOTE: You may lose all program settings, Bookmarks etc after deleting User Data.
Applies To:
- Google Chrome (all version including Betas)