Basic Browser Troubleshooting

Simple steps to troubleshoot your browsers

If you expect a website to behave in a certain way and it is not, try following these steps in a decision tree-like workflow.

1. Does the maintainer suggest a specific browser? Eg. Edge or IE for Purdue Business Process, or Chrome for Google Photos?
2. Have you tried the website with another browser to see if your results are similar?
3. Have you tried to open the page in a Private Window?
4. Have you tried to reload the page from the server by holding down the shift key as you reload/refresh the page?
5. Have you tried clearing the Cache (the files and settings your browser stores locally)? Basics are listed below, please do a google search for your specific browser if you wish detailed instructions.

Edge:

3-dot menu > Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data > Choose what to clear > Cookies and Cache (will sign you out of all websites)

Internet Explorer:

Gear menu > Internet Options > General > Browsing History > Delete Cookies, Cache, Temporary Internet Files

Firefox:

Hamburger menu > Options > Privacy and Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data

Chrome:

3-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data