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Basic Browser Troubleshooting

Simple Browser Troubleshooting

Follow these steps in order to isolate the issue:

1. Does the website specify a required browser?

  • Yes:

    • Use the suggested browser (e.g., Edge for Microsoft 365 tools or Chrome for Google Workspace).

    • Still not working? Check if the site requires a desktop/mobile app instead.

  • No: Proceed to step 2.


2. Test in a different browser

  • Open the site in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari (or your OS default).

  • Same issue? → The problem is likely website/server-side. Contact the site’s support.

  • Works in another browser? → Proceed to step 3.


3. Open the page in a Private/Incognito Window

  • Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+N (Mac).

  • Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P.

  • Safari: FileNew Private Window.

  • If it works:

    • Your browser extensions, cookies, or cache are causing the issue. Disable extensions (step 4) or clear cache (step 5).


4. Force-Reload the Page (Bypass Cache)

  • Windows/Linux: Hold Ctrl + Shift and click Reload (🔄).

  • Mac: Hold Cmd + Shift and click Reload.

  • Still broken? → Proceed to step 5.


5. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

(Follow browser-specific steps below)

Microsoft Edge

  1. Click ••• → Settings → Privacy & Security.

  2. Under Clear browsing data, select Cookies and cached data.

  3. Check "Time range" → Choose All time → Clear now.

Google Chrome

  1. Click ••• → Settings → Privacy & Security.

  2. Select Clear browsing data → Advanced → Check Cookies and Cached files.

  3. Set time range to All time → Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click ☰ → Settings → Privacy & Security.

  2. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data → Check both boxes → Clear.

Safari

  1. Go to Safari → Settings → Privacy.

  2. Click Manage Website Data → Remove All.


6. Still Not Working?

  • Update your browser: Outdated versions often break sites.

    • Edge: edge://settings/help

    • Chrome: chrome://settings/help

    • Firefox: about:preferences#generalUpdates.

  • Check browser extensions: Disable all, then re-enable one by one.


7. Advanced Fixes

  • Create a new browser profile: Corrupted profiles often cause issues.

  • Reinstall the browser: Backup bookmarks first (most sync automatically via cloud accounts).

Last Modified: Mar 26, 2025 1:54 pm GMT-4
Created: Sep 8, 2020 5:42 pm GMT-4 by admin
JumpURL: https://eng.purdue.edu/jump/2f21759