Looks like you’re having trouble. Let’s try a few basic troubleshooting steps.
These troubleshooting steps can usually fix web pages that are showing old content, showing the wrong items or amounts in a shopping cart, won’t let you save or edit, can’t log off or on, or malfunctioning in other ways.
1. Clear the Browser Cache and Cookies
Your browser stores files and data from websites to improve website speed, help you log on and off, and store shopping cart data. Sometimes the cached data becomes invalid, which can cause websites to malfunction.
The steps to clear your browser cache and cookies will vary from browser to browser. For instructions on clearing the cache and cookies in your browser, follow this link: https://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/719. The link will open in a new browser tab. Find your browser on the list and follow the instructions.
Clearing your cookies will log you out of the website. So you’ll need to log in again.
2. Clear the Network Cache
Your modem caches data to improve internet speeds and reduce data transmission costs. But sometimes this data can become invalid or the cache too full.
2a. Follow these instructions if you have cable internet.
To clear the network cache on most modems, unplug the modem. Then wait for one minute before plugging it back in. Reconnect to the internet. Then refresh the web page that was having problems.
If you need help with your modem, call your internet service provider. Your internet provider can tell you how to reboot your specific modem. They may also be able to restart your modem remotely for you.
2b. Follow these instructions if you are using a hotspot device, mobile phone hotspot, or tethering to your mobile phone.
Restart the phone or hotspot device to clear the network cache. Then reconnect your device to the hotspot. Finally, refresh the web page that was having problems.
Contact your cellular provider if you need help with your hotspot device or mobile phone.
3. Clear the Router Cache
If you have cable internet and wi-fi, then you have a router. Router caches contain data and settings. Sometimes this cache can become invalid or too full.
Router caches can’t be cleared by powering them off and on again like modems. They will have a switch or button to clear the cache. Refer to the instruction manual that came with your router for steps on clearing the cache. If you can’t find the instruction manual, here’s a general article on clearing router caches that may help: https://www.gadgetreview.com/how-to-clear-cache-from-router. The article will open in a new browser tab.
If your internet service provider issued you a combination modem/router box, you may need to call them for instructions. They might also be able to empty the cache remotely for you.
After clearing the router cache, reconnect your device to the internet. Then refresh the web page that was having problems.
Keeping Your Home Internet in Good Working Order
Regular Maintenance
Emptying browser, modem, and router caches regularly will keep your home internet working well. You’ll have fewer problems with websites malfunctioning and fewer dropped internet connections. Many home networks only need this maintenance once every few weeks. If you have many devices connected to your network or use the internet heavily, you may need to do maintenance more often.
Power Supply Problems
Electronics are more sensitive to power fluctuations than other electrical devices like kitchen appliances and hair dryers. Using a surge protector with routers, modems, and computers will reduce caching problems and extend the lifetime of those devices. Power spikes, brownouts, or “flickering” where the power goes off for a second then comes back on can cause caching problems. If your home experiences a power problem like this, you’ll need to clear your modem, router, and browser caches.
Everything working now? Then return to your Prize Account.
Are you still having problems after following these troubleshooting steps? Contact the Sheridan Prize for Art for help at sheridanprizeforart@yahoo.com.