Browser Maintenance

To ensure the smoothest dotloop experience, it is always a good idea to make sure your browser is up to date, as well as perform some basic maintenance from time to time. To make sure you are using the best supported web browser for your system, please refer to this article on supported browsers.

Note: performing browser maintenance will sign you out of all sites you are currently logged into, so we suggest to save any work before continuing.

Here is a list of browsers with some basic maintenance tips:

• Microsoft Edge
• Internet Explorer
• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari

Microsoft Edge

Step 1: Click the three-point menu icon

The three-point menu icon is located at the top right corner of the browser.

Step 2: Click on the “Settings” option

“Settings” is located at the bottom of the menu list.

Step 3: Click the Choose what to clear button

After clicking “Settings”, the Settings menu will appear. Under the Settings menu you will see a section for “Clear browsing data”. Click on the “Choose what to clear” button.

Step 4: Select “Cookies and saved website data” and “Cached data and files”

After clicking the “Choose what to clear” button, you will see the Clear browsing data menu, which includes a list of check box options. Make sure to only have “Cookies and saved website data” and “Cached data and files” selected.

Step 5: Click the Clear button

Click on the Clear button and you're done! Think of clearing cookies and cache for your browser like getting an oil change on your car. While vital to the performance of your browser, it needs to be cleared out regularly to ensure the most up to date information is being stored and used. Clearing cookies and cache periodically will help reset your browser and eliminate loading problems.

Step 6: Turn on the “Always clear this when I close the browser” option

It's also good practice to turn on the slider option, “Always clear this when I close the browser”. This will ensure that your browser automatically stays maintained every time you use it.

Internet Explorer 

Updating to the latest version of Internet Explorer can be accomplished by running a Windows Update. If you are having trouble with updating, you can always download the Offline Installer for Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Navigate to the Tools icon at the top right of your browser

The Tools icon looks like a gear. This can also be opened by pressing Alt+X.

Step 2: Click on “Internet options”

“Internet options” is the second last option in the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Click the Delete button under Browsing History

Clicking “Internet options” in step 2 will present you with the Internet Options window. Underneath the Browsing History section, click the Delete button.

Step 4: Check only “Temporary Internet files and website files” and “Cookies and website data”

In the Delete Browsing History window check only “Temporary Internet files and website files" as well as "Cookies and website data". These are the second and third options in the list.

Step 5: Click the Delete button in the Delete Browsing History window

The Delete button is located at the bottom of the Delete Browsing History window. When Internet Explorer has completed deleting the browsing history it will display a message at the bottom of your browser. Deleting cookies and cache for your browser can be thought of like getting an oil change on your car. While vital to the performance of your browser, it needs to be cleared out regularly to ensure the most up to date information is being stored and used. Clearing cookies and cache periodically will help reset your browser and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

Google Chrome 

First, make sure you have the latest version of Chrome. In most instances Chrome will update automatically, but you can always download the latest update here. Once Chrome is up to date, follow these steps to clear browsing data.

Step 1: Click on the Customize and control Google Chrome icon.

This icon appears as three vertical dots in the upper right corner of your browser window.

Step 2: Hover over “More Tools” and choose “Clear Browsing Data…”

More tools is located over halfway down the dropdown menu. Hovering will open a second menu where you can click “Clear Browsing Data..” as the second option in the list.

Step 3: Select “All time” in “Time range” dropdown

Click the arrow or box next to “Time range” and select “All time” from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Check only “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files”

“Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are the last two options listed in the “Clear browsing data” window.

Step 5: Click the Clear Data button

The Clear Data button is located at the bottom right of the “Clear browsing data” window. Clearing cookies and cache for your browser can be thought of like getting an oil change on your car. While vital to the performance of your browser, it needs to be cleared out regularly to ensure the most up to date information is being stored and used. Clearing cookies and cache periodically will help reset your browser and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

Firefox

 Mozilla Firefox will update automatically in most cases, but can always be updated at this link. Once your browser is up to date, clearing the cookies and cache is a quick process, and will insure an optimal browsing experience.

Step 1: Click the Open menu icon

The Open menu icon appears as three lines stacked vertically in the upper right corner of your browser.

Step 2: Click “Library” in the dropdown menu

The “Library” option is located about halfway down the menu, and is accompanied by an icon of books.

Step 3: Choose “History”

“History” is accompanied by a clock icon, and is third in the list of the “Library” menu.

Step 4: Select “Clear Recent History…”

This is the second option located in the “History” menu and is accompanied by another clock icon with an arrow.

Step 5: Select “Everything” in the dropdown menu next to “Time range to clear”

At the top of the “Clear All History” window, click the arrow or box next to “Time range to clear” to select “Everything” from the dropdown.

Step 6: Check only “Cookies” and “Cache” from the list

In the list of checkboxes in the bottom half of the window, check “Cookies” and “Cache”.

Step 7: Click the Clear Now button

The Clear Now button is located at the bottom right of the “Clear All History” window. Clearing cookies and cache for your browser can be thought of like getting an oil change on your car. While vital to the performance of your browser, it needs to be cleared out regularly to ensure the most up to date information is being stored and used. Clearing cookies and cache periodically will help reset your browser and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

Safari

Updating Safari is a simple process. Within the Apple App Store, navigate to the Updates icon at the top right and make sure all programs are up to date. Once your browser is up to date, complete the following steps in Safari for browser maintenance.

Step 1: Click “Safari” at the top left of your screen

“Safari” is located next to the Apple icon at the top left corner of your screen, in the app bar.

Step 2: Click the “Clear History…” option in the menu

“Clear History…” is the third option listed in the dropdown menu (If you do not see this option then you are using an old version of Safari and will need to update first).

Step 3: Choose “Clear: all history” in the dropdown menu

Click on the box or arrow next to “Clear” to select “all history” in the window.

Step 4: Click the Clear History button

The Clear History button is located at the bottom right of the window. Clearing cookies and cache for your browser can be thought of like getting an oil change on your car. While vital to the performance of your browser, it needs to be cleared out regularly to ensure the most up to date information is being stored and used. Clearing cookies and cache periodically will help reset your browser and ensure a smooth browsing experience.