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Website(s) not displaying correctly, try clearing the cache

Web browsers are designed to retain certain information about the websites you visit e.g., the server(s) it spoke to get there, the content to display, etc. This enables faster content display of previously visited sites, but if the browser becomes confused by something regarding a website it will not display as desired.

Even if two sites display similar content for the viewer e.g., videos, pictures or sound files, etc. the backends (which general viewers cannot see or access) may be completely different between the two sites, even if they are both UniSA owned sites.

Clearing your browser cache is a version of spring-cleaning for browsers, it will help improve the speed and display of websites which are experiencing issues. It will force the website to re-establish communication between your device and hosting server(s). This will refresh the content of the website and enable your device to display it correctly.

Step by step instructions (including screenshots) for all browsers can be found on the wikiHow site.

Otherwise, the process for the four most common browsers (IE11, Firefox, Chrome and Safari) can be found below:

Chrome

NOTE: The icon for Chrome is the colour wheel: Chrome icon.png

  1. When you have your browser open, hold Ctrl + Shift and press the Delete key
  2. Leave Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files ticked
    NOTE: To avoid issues in the future we recommend setting Time range to All time.
  3. Click Clear data
    Chrome clear cache dialog
  4. Wait for the browser to complete the process
    NOTE: The Clear browsing data pop-up box will disappear once completed.
  5. Close all your browser sessions
  6. Open a new browser session and make your way to desired site
  7. The site should now display as desired.

Firefox

NOTE: The icon for Firefox is an orange and yellow fox wrapped around a coloured globe: Firefox icon.png The colour globe changes depending on the version of Firefox you are using e.g., blue or purple, etc.

  1. Click the 3 Lines top right corner
  2. Click Options
    Firefox options.png
  3. Click Privacy & Security on the left
  4. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data
  5. Click Clear Data.
    Firefox clear cookies and site data.png
  6. Ensure the following are ticked:
    • Cookies and Site Data
    • Cached Web Content
  7. Click Clear
    Firefox clear data.png
  8. Wait for the browser to complete the process
    NOTE: The Clear Data pop-up box will disappear once completed.
  9. Close all your browser sessions
  10. Open a new browser session and make your way to desired site
  11. The site should now display as desired.

Safari

NOTE: The icon for Safari is a depiction of a compass: Safari icon.png Depending on the version you are running there may be slight variations to the icon.

By default, Safari does not show you the option to delete your cache and you will need to enable the option first. 
NOTE: Once enabled the option will remain available - this is a once-off.

  1. Click Safari menu.
  2. Click Safari option.
  3. Go to Preferences-> Privacy-> Advanced.
  4. Select Show Develop Menu in menu bar.
    Safari-Advanced.png
  5. Close Advanced pop-up.

Delete cache steps:

  1. Click Develop menu.
  2. Select Empty Caches.
    Safari-empty-cache.png
  3. Wait for the browser to complete the process.
  4. Close all your browser sessions.
  5. Open a new browser session and make your way to desired site.
  6. The site should now display as desired.

 

 

Edge (replaced IE11)

Internet Explorer 11 (IE11)

NOTE: The icon for IE11 has the yellow line around the 'e': IE11 icon.png 
The 'e' without the yellow line is Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge icon.png and instructions for this browser can be found on the wikiHow site.

  1. Click the Cog top right corner
  2. Click Internet options
    IE11-cog - internet options.png
  3. Click Delete under Browsing history section
    IE11 browsing history.png
  4. Ensure bare minimum are ticked:
    NOTE: If you are experiencing issues with websites remembering your old password and not allowing you to enter your new one you will need to tick Passwords on this step to resolve this issue.
    • Preserve Favourites website data
    • Temporary Internet files and website files
    • Cookies and website data
  5. Click Delete
    IE11-delete-browser-history.png
  6. Wait for the browser to complete the process
    NOTE: The Delete Browsing History pop-up box will disappear once completed.
  7. Click OK on Internet Options pop-up to close it
  8. Close all your browser sessions
  9. Open a new browser session and make your way to desired site
  10. The site should now display as desired.

Further Assistance

If you require further information or assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk on (08) 830 25000 or 1300 558 654.