Chrome extensions no longer installing

[Sheridan]

We have a couple of Chrome extensions we've forcibly installed using GPOs:

 

"User Configuration/Policies/Classic Administrative Templates/Google/Google Chrome/Extensions"

 

"Configure the list of force-installed extensions"

 

This was working fine until recently we've noticed they aren't appearing anymore - on both W10 and W7. The extension IDs are still valid, and they're on the latest version of Chrome.

 

I can't see any errors -they just don't appear in the Chrome toolbar anymore - is anyone using this method?

 

Maybe its linked - but I've noticed I can't install any Chrome extensions from the web store - every one shows 'Access Denied' and Failed-Forbidden for the .crx download file - even as an admin?

Edited January 12, 2018 by Sheridan

[6Foot2]

Anything helpful in Event Logs?

[Sheridan]

Nothing logged at at all - and I can't see anything with our smoothwall blocking it either. Nothing has changed really since we implemented the policy about 3 months ago!

[Sheridan]

This is weird, on any machine (as an admin) I get an immediate error when trying to install.

 

We block the chrome store for students, but not for admins

[Sheridan]

Getting weirder - any device (W7,W10 or Mac) cannot download extensions at all - its like we've been blocked from the webstore! Even bypassing the smoothwall and going directly out through the firewall has the same result. Hotspotting a laptop to a mobile phone does work however!

 

Is it possible google have blocked our IP range from the store for some reason?

[glen_j]

Have you checked you can find the extension in the store? i believe chrome are winding down support for extensions for all platforms except Chrome OS.

[Arthur]

This is weird, on any machine (as an admin) I get an immediate error when trying to install.

 

We block the chrome store for students, but not for admins

If you go to chrome://policy in Chrome and then look for ExtensionInstallForcelist, do you see the extension ID listed there?

[Arthur]

I believe chrome are winding down support for extensions for all platforms except Chrome OS.

That's only for Chrome apps. Extensions are fine.

 

Have you checked you can find the extension in the store?

I think this is the extension @Sheridan is trying to install...

 

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/take-webpage-screenshots/mcbpblocgmgfnpjjppndjkmgjaogfceg

Edited January 12, 2018 by Arthur

[bugpowderdust]

We have the same issue almost to same time frame too, no forced extension loading in either Chrome or onto Chromebooks. Think it could be Google based and not localised.

[Sheridan]

Its any extension, on any device so far which makes me suspicious its the smoothwall - although initial testing shows no blocked entries when trying to add an extension. I've got a case open with Google now as well in case it is their side.

[markwilfan]

@Sheridan

 

This has just started happening to us too. Same setup as you. Been driving me crazy all day. Just come to the conclusion it is smooth wall too however it did work before Christmas

[ShorehamGeek]

Us too. Chromebooks no longer authenticating with smoothwall (as the smoothwall addon which passes on the authentication no longer loads), and lots of confused students!

[Arthur]

@Sheridan. Just came across this...

 

https://plus.google.com/109723841333482973743/posts/enSPtRhAgm5

 

Just got off the phone with support. Known issue both for Apps/Extensions and Chrome OS updates. Engineering team is working on it. If you call them, they will add your name to the case and keep you updated. Support indicates that switching to an open network or hotspot without any proxies or firewalls may resolve the issue.

 

https://plus.google.com/+BillGibsonHTPS/posts/QRAosizxMcR

 

Google blocking IP addresses

In addition to the attached post, we are getting blocked with the File Stream installer. Switching to a new public IP resolves the issue. This is not affecting access to gmail or drive via a web browser, nor are our users getting a captcha prompt as we have seen at other times.

[Sheridan]

Looks like its Google then - Smoothwall have had a look and can't see anything wrong - but it does work if we use an external connection. So my idea about our IP being blocked might be right!

[Sheridan]

Had an email from Google saying its now fixed, but I'm at home with a beer now so I'll try again on Monday!