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Troubleshooting Guide - How to Clear Cache
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Last Updated 11/01/2023

REPORTER Help Documentation

Clearing Your Browser Cache

If you have not accessed the REPORTER system recently and are having trouble getting the site to load as expected or are encountering unexpected errors, we recommend clearing your Browser Cache to ensure there are no issues related to old browser session data. Please review the information below to help you with this process.

Basic Definitions:

Term

Meaning

Notes

Browser

This is the program that you use to access the internet.

Common browsers include Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Internet Explorer but there are many others as well.

Cache

 The cache is a your browser’s short-term memory that saves copies of previously visited websites and pages

Pronounced "cash"

Device Type

In regards to REPORTER, your device type will either be a Computer or Mobile device.

  • Desktop refers to anything you do from an actual computer, including laptops.
  • Mobile refers to devices like cell phones, tablets/iPads, iPods, or similar devices.

What does it mean to clear your cache?

As you navigate on the internet, small bits of information are saved by your browser in order to improve speed on website you frequent. Because REPORTER has periodic updates, your browser may save information that conflicts with the new updates in REPORTER. These conflicts can result in seemingly random errors within REPORTER. In order to get rid of these errors, you need to delete the temporary data that your browser saved.

How do I clear my cache?

If you need to clear your cache, the steps for doing this will vary based on your Browser and Device type. Below are links to instructions for the most common device and browser combinations. If you do not see instructions that match your device and browser, you can google search the name of your browser and ‘how to clear cache’ to find additional instructions. If you need further help you can contact help@ncsu.edu or reporter_support@ncsu.edu.

When using Google Chrome

Link below includes instructions for Computers, Android Mobile Devices, and iPhone/iPads

Clear cache & cookies - Android - Google Account Help

On an iPhone when using Safari -- Clear the history and cookies - Apple Support

When Using Firefox -- How to clear the Firefox cache

Using Microsoft Edge (which replaced Internet Explorer) -- How to clear the cache and cookies in Microsoft Edge on Windows

Additional help available at https://kb.iu.edu/d/ahic


For questions or additional information you can view our support site at support.reporter.ncsu.edu or you can contact us at reporter_support@ncsu.edu.

NOTE: Before clearing the cache, try closing and reopening the browser. Remember to logout of RED every time.

Chrome

  1. With Chrome open, hold down CTRL + Shift + Delete
  • You will need to hold all three keys at the same time

A settings page will open and with a popup to “Clear browsing data”

  1. In the popup window, check the option for “Cached Images and files”
  2. Make sure all other boxes are not selected unless you are prepared to sign in again
  3. Then click ‘Clear Data’

Firefox

  1. Hold Ctrl + Shift + T to reload the browser.
    NOTE: If this step resolves the issue, disregard steps 2-7.
  2. In the upper right corner, click the “Library” icon.  
  3. Choose History from the menu.
  4. Choose Clear Recent History.  
  5. Under the time range to clear the drop down menu, choose; Everything.
  6. Verify that Cookies and Cache are both checked.
  7. Click Clear Now.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Hold the Ctrl key and press the F5 key to reload the browser.
    NOTE: If this step resolves the issue, disregard steps 2-6.
  2. In the upper right corner, click on the “Hub” symbol in the main menu.  
  3. Click History.
  4. Click Clear history.
  5. Uncheck all options except Cookies and saved website data and Cached data and files.
  6. Click the Clear button.

Safari

  1. Hold Command key + R to reload the browser.
    NOTE: If this step resolves the issue, disregard steps 2-6.
  2. Click on the Safari drop-down menu in the top menu bar and select Preferences.
  3. Click the Advanced tab and select Show Develop in the menu bar.
  4. Close the Preferences window.
  5. Select Develop from the Safari toolbar.  
  6. Click Empty Cache.