Tips for resolving possible browser cache problems or forcing the browser to load a fresh copy of web site pages.
Most browsers, computer operating systems, and internet hardware (routers, etc.) employ some type of caching to reduce the amount of time needed to resolve the actual address of a web site. Sometimes a browser will cache information about a site that is no longer valid or doesn't match the actual content of the site on the server. When this happens, you may experience problems accessing the site from your computer, even though the site is actively working and available. This is usually caused by caching, where your computer or browser uses old information to try to reach the site, but it needs to update that information to find the site properly. Here are some tips for forcing your browser and computer to use current information instead of its obsolete cache data when trying to reach the site:
Quick Keyboard Methods The easiest way to force most popular Windows browsers to retrieve a fresh copy of the image from the server is to use keyboard shortcuts:
•
Windows Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge): Press CTRL+F5 while viewing the page with the issue.
•
Safari on a Mac: Press: Option + Command + E from any page, or go to the website page with the issue and press Command + Shift + R
Browser Menu Methods If using one of the keyboard methods above does not resolve the issue, you may need to clear the cache manually for your browser. Here are some additional tips for clearing the various temporary caches so your browser can reload the current information from your website:
•
Microsoft Edge Browser: To clear/reset your cache in Microsoft Edge, go to the Settings page and select the Privacy and Services option from the menu. Then scroll down the page and find the "Clear browsing data now" item and click the button "Choose what to clear" next to it. On the window that pops up, UNcheck all options except for "Cached images and files", which should remain checked. Select "All Time" for the Time Range at the top of the window, then click the "Clear Now" button at the bottom.
•
Firefox Browser: To clear/reset the cache in Firefox, use the Clear Private Data menu option to remove temporary cache files.
•
Google Chrome Browser: To clear/reset the cache in Chrome, go to the Settings page and select the Privacy and Security option from the menu and click the "Clear browsing data" option. On the window that pops up, UNcheck all options except for "Cached images and files", which should remain checked. Select "All Time" for the Time Range at the top of the window, then click the "Clear Data" button at the bottom.
•
Safari on Mac: To clear/reset the cache in the Safari browser on a Mac, choose Safari menu > Settings, click Advanced, then select "Show Develop menu in menu bar." Close the Preferences window and click on the "Develop" menu and select "Empty Caches". Note that this method does not prompt with a confirmation, and gives no indication that the process has actually been performed.
•
Windows Operating System Cache: Clear your local Windows DNS cache which is responsible for resolving the location of your site. Bring up a command window by clicking Start, then Run, then enter "CMD" and press enter. In the command window that opens, enter the following command: IPCONFIG /FLUSHDNS {press enter}
•
Router Cache: If you are using a router, it may have its own internal cache. If possible, reboot the router to see if it will resolve the issue.
• If all else fails, try rebooting your computer after completing these steps, which may also help resolve the issue by helping to clear any additional caching being done by the operating system or other internet applications running on your computer.
The following website* contains general information about clearing the cache for various brands of browsers:
http://www.refreshyourcache.com * Websites listed in this article are not associated with HOASpace.com or Software with Brains, LLC. They are mentioned solely as an additional resource that you may find helpful, however, no endorsement or implied warranty of any kind is intended or implied, and your decision to visit such sites is done entirely at your own risk.
Article ID: 10167