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Clear Browser Cache/Cookies

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Are you off-campus?

If off-campus, did you remember to install the library VPN client and connect to the library VPN prior to visiting the publisher’s website?

If you forgot, be sure to clear your browser’s cache/cookies, then log-on to Pulse Secure and try accessing the resource again.  Many online research resources are only available to a recognized UCD IP address together with your UC Davis Computing Account (Kerberos).

All About Your Browser Cache

Problems with a library online research resource? These tips will help check if your Browser cache is the problem.  Did you try searching for title from UC Library Search?  If you are on-campus, try a different computer or a different web browser, such as switching from Chrome to Firefox. It sometimes helps to empty your web browser cache.  Also remember to log in to UC Davis Library Search to see full catalog results, using your UC Davis Computing Account (Kerberos) .

  • What is a browser cache?
    A web browser locally stores web sites on your computer’s hard drive which is called the “cache”.  The cache contains a history of all visited sites as well as images and  audio files.  Cookies are also stored in the cache.  They are often stored in the Temporary Internet Files folder.
  • What is the purpose of browser cache?
    Upon revisiting a site, the browser will retrieve files from the cache instead of downloading the entire site again.
  • What potential problems may arise with the cache?
    In many cases, the cached pages will not be current.  If you are having problems accessing an online research resource, it is advisable to clear the cache in order to ensure you are accessing the most current site and not accessing a stored prior search session. If the prior session was initiated off-campus without the use of the Pulse Secure VPN, the cache can prevent recognizing you as an authorized user due to previously visiting  the website without proper credentials.  Be sure to clear the cache before you initiate the new session with the VPN.
  • How can I resolve problems?
    Periodically clear the cache to ensure you are viewing the most current site and this will also improve the speed and performance of your browser.

Cache Clearing Instructions by Browser

Internet Explorer
Firefox
Safari
Google Chrome
Chromebook – Chrome OS

Don’t want to clear cache?

Try using incognito or private browsing mode. Sometimes this is useful to try, especially if the user does not want to clear their whole browser’s cache.

Try using a different browser. Some resources will not work with a particular browser or there may be a setting a user has chosen in a particular browser that is interfering with the functionality of the resource

Still having problems with research resource?

Fill out a technical support request form to report the problem and library staff will investigate. Please include the research resource citation, browser used for access and if you experienced the problem on- or off-campus.

Submit a Technical Support Request

Last updated: July 19, 2021