Important Maintenance

These two steps should be performed regularly, at least weekly, and are also a good first step at any time you have a problem.

Clear your browser cache—old memories and files can "confuse" the browser when it tries to load new information.
- In Firefox,
  - Go to the Tools menu.
  - Select Options.
  - Click the Privacy menu item on the left.
  - It is recommended that all other windows and programs be closed.
  - Find the Cache segment and click the plus sign to view the details.
  - Click the Clear button.
  - It can also be useful to reduce the amount of disk space used for the cache before clicking OK to exit the options panel.
- In Internet Explorer,
  - Go to the Tools menu.
  - Select Internet Options.
  - Click the Delete Files button right in the middle of that window.
- In Safari,
  - Go to the Safari menu.
  - It is recommended that all other windows and programs be closed.
  - Select Empty Cache.
  - Click the Empty button.
- In Netscape,
  - 1. Go to the Tools menu.
    2. Select Options.
    3. Click on Privacy in the right column.
    4. It is recommended that all other windows and programs be closed.
    5. Cache is at the bottom; click on Clear.
Power down your computer, unplug the power and connection of your modem (DSL or cable), and leave them off for at least 60 seconds. Then plug the modem back in, wait until all the lights are on and steady, and turn your computer back on. Old memories of old connections can interfere with your modem's ability to make new connections correctly.

When you ask for technical help, these are often the first things you are asked to do, because they are so effective in ending so many seemingly unrelated problems. You can save your time and ours by:

Performing this maintenance weekly for best browser performance.
When dealing with problems, trying these steps first to see if they solve your problems.