Basic Browser Troubleshooting

Simple Browser Troubleshooting

Follow these steps 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? β†’ The problem is likely website/server-side. Contact the site’s support.

  • Works in another browser? β†’ 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: File β†’ New 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 (πŸ”„).

  • Mac: Hold Cmd + Shift and click Reload.

  • Still broken? β†’ Proceed to step 5.

5. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

(Follow browser-specific steps below)

Microsoft Edge

  1. Click β€’β€’β€’ β†’ Settings β†’ Privacy & Security.

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

  3. Check "Time range" β†’ Choose All time β†’ Clear now.

Google Chrome

  1. Click β€’β€’β€’ β†’ Settings β†’ Privacy & Security.

  2. Select Clear browsing data β†’ Advanced β†’ Check Cookies and Cached files.

  3. Set time range to All time β†’ Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click ☰ β†’ Settings β†’ Privacy & Security.

  2. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data β†’ Clear Data β†’ Check both boxes β†’ Clear.

Safari

  1. Go to Safari β†’ Settings β†’ Privacy.

  2. Click Manage Website Data β†’ 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#general β†’ Updates.

  • 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).

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