How to prevent URL redirects in Chrome?

Solution 1:

I realize this is far from a perfect answer, as this will only work for responses that serve up content, but I decided to post it as there are currently zero useful, actionable answers.

As a quick-and-dirty solution you may be able to use the debugger (accessible by F12 or CTRL+SHIFT+I in most browsers) to give your self an opportunity to opt out of a redirect.

Run this line in the console before the page runs any scripts of its own:

window.onbeforeunload = function(){ return 'Leave page?'; };

For example, using Chrome:

• Open the debugger (F12) and switch to the Sources tab.
• Press F8 to put the debugger into step-through mode.
• Navigate to the problematic page. It will begin to load but the debugger won't allow scripts to run.
• Paste the above code into the console and hit enter.
• Press F8 again to allow scripts to run and let the page finish loading.
• Now you will see a prompt before any redirect occurs and you'll have an opportunity to cancel it.
• If the page repeatedly tries to redirect you, you can tell chrome not to display the dialog again. Further attempts by the page to navigate you elsewhere will fail silently.