How do I clear my web browser's cache and cookies?

Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (i.e., stores) it. In this way, the files (including any images on the page) do not have to be newly retrieved from the remote web site each time you click the Back or Forward buttons. You should periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently.

If you do not see instructions for your specific version or browser, search your browser's Help menu for "clear cache".

If you're unsure what browser version you're using, from the Help menu, select About [browser name].

On this page:

• Windows
  • Internet Explorer 8
  • Internet Explorer 7
  • Firefox 3.5
  • Firefox 3
  
  
• Mac OS X
  • Safari
  • Firefox 3.5
  • Firefox 3

Internet Explorer 8

1. From the Safety menu in the upper right, click Delete Browsing History... .
   
   
2. Deselect (i.e., uncheck) Preserve Favorites website data, and select (i.e., check) Temporary Internet files, Cookies, and History.
   
   
3. Click Delete.

Internet Explorer 7

1. From the Tools menu in the upper right, select Delete Browsing History.
   
   
2. Next to "Temporary Internet Files", click Delete files... .

   To delete your cookies, click Delete Cookies.

3. Click Close, and then click OK to exit.

Firefox 3.5 for Windows

1. From the Tools menu, select Clear Recent History... .
   
   
2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
   
   
3. Click the down arrow next to "Details" to choose what history elements to clear (e.g., check Cookies to clear cookies). Click Clear Now.

Firefox 3 for Windows

From the Tools menu, select Clear Private Data... , and then check Cache and Cookies. Click Clear Private Data Now.

Safari

1. From the Safari menu, select Reset Safari... .
   
   
2. From the menu, only select Empty the cache and Remove all cookies, then press Reset.

Firefox 3.5 for Mac OS X

1. From the Tools menu, select Clear Recent History... .
   
   
2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
   
   
3. Click the down arrow next to "Details" to choose what history elements to clear. Click Clear Now.

Firefox 3 for Mac OS X

1. In Firefox, from the Tools menu, select Clear Private Data.
   
   
2. Make sure Cache and Cookies are checked, and then click Clear Private Data Now.

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