Clearing the Cobwebs: A Deep Dive into Emptying Internet Explorer’s Cache

So, your Internet Explorer (yes, it still exists!) is acting up, websites are loading incorrectly, or you’re just feeling a bit…cluttered? Chances are, your cache is the culprit. Think of the cache as Internet Explorer’s attic – it stores temporary files to speed up browsing, but it can quickly become overrun with outdated junk. Learning how to empty the cache in Internet Explorer is a vital skill for any digital citizen, and it’s surprisingly straightforward. Here’s the lowdown:

To empty the cache in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer. Obvious, but hey, we’re being thorough!
2. Access the Settings Menu: Click on the Tools icon (the gear icon) located in the upper-right corner of the browser window. Alternatively, you can press the Alt key + X to open the Tools menu.
3. Select “Internet Options”: In the Tools menu, choose “Internet Options.” A new window will pop up.
4. Navigate to the “General” Tab: Make sure you’re on the “General” tab within the Internet Options window. It’s usually the default tab that opens.
5. Locate the “Browsing History” Section: In the “Browsing History” section, you’ll find several options related to your browsing data.
6. Click the “Delete…” Button: Click the “Delete…” button. This opens the “Delete Browsing History” window.
7. Choose What to Delete: In the “Delete Browsing History” window, you’ll see a list of items you can remove. Crucially, ensure that the box next to “Temporary Internet files and website files” is checked. This is the cache we’re targeting. You can also choose to delete other data like cookies, history, and saved passwords, but be mindful of the implications (we’ll cover those in the FAQs).
8. Click “Delete”: Once you’ve selected the “Temporary Internet files and website files” (and any other desired options), click the “Delete” button at the bottom of the window.
9. Wait for the Process to Complete: Internet Explorer will now begin deleting the cached files. The time this takes depends on the size of your cache. Be patient! You’ll see a progress indicator.
10. Close and Restart (Optional but Recommended): After the deletion process is complete, close the “Delete Browsing History” window and the “Internet Options” window. It’s generally a good idea to restart Internet Explorer to ensure the changes take full effect.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully emptied Internet Explorer’s cache. Now, let’s address some of the burning questions that often arise during this digital decluttering process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I clear my Internet Explorer cache?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re experiencing website display issues, performance slowdowns, or privacy concerns, clearing the cache is a good first step. Some users clear their cache weekly, while others do it less frequently. A good rule of thumb is to clear your cache whenever you notice performance issues or after visiting websites you don’t fully trust.

Will clearing the cache delete my passwords?

No, clearing the cache alone won’t delete your saved passwords, unless you specifically check the box next to “Passwords” in the “Delete Browsing History” window. Be cautious about deleting passwords if you rely on Internet Explorer to remember them.

What’s the difference between clearing the cache and clearing cookies?

The cache stores temporary files like images, scripts, and HTML pages to speed up website loading. Cookies, on the other hand, are small text files that websites use to remember information about you, such as your login details, preferences, and shopping cart items. Clearing the cache primarily addresses performance issues, while clearing cookies can improve privacy by removing tracking data.

Is it safe to delete all the items in the “Delete Browsing History” window?

Deleting all items in the “Delete Browsing History” window is generally safe, but it will erase your entire browsing history, cookies, saved passwords, and other website data. Consider the consequences before deleting everything. Deleting your browsing history might be desirable for privacy, but losing saved passwords can be a significant inconvenience.

Why is Internet Explorer still using cached files after I’ve cleared the cache?

Sometimes, Internet Explorer might not completely remove all cached files immediately. This can be due to various reasons, such as files being locked by other processes or the cache index not being fully updated. Restarting your computer can often resolve this issue and ensure that all cached files are properly deleted. Also, make sure the browser is completely closed – no background processes running.

Does clearing the cache improve my internet speed?

Clearing the cache can sometimes improve internet speed, especially if your cache is bloated with outdated or corrupted files. By removing these files, Internet Explorer can load websites faster because it’s forced to download the latest versions. However, the improvement may not be dramatic if your internet connection is already fast and your cache is relatively small.

How do I automatically clear the cache when I close Internet Explorer?

You can configure Internet Explorer to automatically clear the cache when you close the browser. Here’s how:

1. Open Internet Options (as described earlier).
2. On the “General” tab, in the “Browsing History” section, check the box that says “Delete browsing history on exit.”
3. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

From now on, Internet Explorer will automatically clear your browsing history, including the cache, every time you close the browser.

What are “Temporary Internet files and website files”?

“Temporary Internet files and website files” are the files that Internet Explorer stores on your computer to speed up website loading. These files include images, scripts, HTML pages, and other resources that websites use. When you visit a website, Internet Explorer downloads these files and stores them in the cache. The next time you visit the same website, Internet Explorer can load the files from the cache instead of downloading them again, resulting in faster loading times. These are essentially the contents of the cache.

Will clearing the cache log me out of websites?

Yes, clearing the cache (and especially cookies) will often log you out of websites, as it removes the cookies that store your login information. You’ll need to re-enter your username and password to log in again.

How can I prevent Internet Explorer from caching certain websites?

You can’t directly prevent Internet Explorer from caching specific websites. However, you can use Private Browsing mode (InPrivate Browsing), which doesn’t save any browsing history, cookies, temporary files, or form data. To start Private Browsing, press Ctrl + Shift + P in Internet Explorer. Or click on the Tools icon (the gear icon), and select Safety, then InPrivate Browsing.

Why is my Internet Explorer cache so large?

The size of your Internet Explorer cache depends on your browsing habits and the settings you’ve configured. If you visit many websites, especially those with lots of images and videos, your cache will grow quickly. You can limit the amount of disk space that Internet Explorer uses for the cache in the “Temporary Internet Files and History Settings” dialog box (accessible through the “Settings” button in the “Browsing History” section of the Internet Options).

Are there any alternatives to using Internet Explorer’s built-in cache clearing tool?

While the built-in tool is generally sufficient, some third-party system optimization tools can also clear Internet Explorer’s cache, along with other temporary files and junk data. CCleaner is a popular example. However, use caution when installing third-party software and ensure it comes from a reputable source. Be mindful of bundled software and only install what you explicitly need. Stick with the built-in tool unless you have a compelling reason to use something else.

By understanding the ins and outs of Internet Explorer’s cache and mastering the art of clearing it, you can keep your browsing experience smooth, efficient, and secure. Now go forth and conquer those digital cobwebs!