How to clear cookies, cache, and history

The Internet uses cache, cookies and history files to store specific information about a Web page on your computer's hard drive. These files enable the browser to find the same pages more quickly when you access them later. Clearing cache, cookies and history files can improve performance and ensure that you are viewing the latest versions of frequently visited Web sites.

To clear both cache and history files:

1. Click the START button in the lower left corner of your screen and then select PROGRAMS
2. Select INTERNET EXPLORER
3. In the TOOLS menu, select INTERNET OPTIONS
4. Under TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES, click DELETE FILES
5. Put a check in the box next to Delete all offline content and click OK
6. Under HISTORY, click CLEAR HISTORY
7. If prompted, click YES to confirm
8. Click OK to exit

To clear cookies:

1. Click the START button in the lower left corner of your screen, select FIND and then click FILES OR FOLDERS
2. In the NAMED field type: COOKIES
3. Once the cookies folder is found, double-click to open it
4. Highlight the cookies you would like to delete
5. Click the FILE menu and select DELETE

You may get special messages for specific cookies asking you if you want to delete them. Click YES or NO as you wish. Please be aware that many Web sites will install a cookie on your computer to permit automatic login when you visit. Deleting these cookies will require you to enter your username and/or password upon your next visit to such a site.