Clearing Cookies in Internet Explorer: A Definitive Guide

So, you need to clear cookies in Internet Explorer? Fear not! While Internet Explorer might feel like a digital dinosaur in today’s browser landscape, the need to manage your browsing data remains crucial. Here’s the straight dope:

How to clear cookies in Internet Explorer:

1. Open Internet Explorer. (Yes, I know, dust it off!).
2. Click the Gear Icon (Tools Menu). You’ll find it in the upper-right corner of the browser window.
3. Select “Safety”. A dropdown menu will appear.
4. Click “Delete Browsing History”. A new window pops up.
5. Ensure “Cookies and website data” is checked. This is the crucial step. You can also check other items you want to delete, such as temporary internet files, history, and saved passwords.
6. Click “Delete”. Wait a few moments for the process to complete. The time it takes will depend on the size of your cookie collection.
7. Close the “Delete Browsing History” window. You’re done!

It’s a simple process, but understanding why you’re clearing cookies and what other options are available elevates you from a mere clicker to a true browser ninja. Now, let’s dive into the nuances and answer some burning questions.

Demystifying Cookies: The Why and the How

Before we delve deeper, let’s remember why we are doing this. Cookies are small text files that websites store on your computer to remember information about you, such as your login details, preferences, and browsing activity. While generally harmless and helpful for personalization, they can also be used for tracking purposes, raising privacy concerns. Regularly clearing cookies helps mitigate these concerns and can improve your browser’s performance by removing potentially outdated or corrupted data.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cookie Management

While the above method provides a quick and easy way to delete all cookies, Internet Explorer also offers more granular control. You can block cookies from specific websites, allowing you to maintain cookies from trusted sites while preventing tracking from others. This is a more sophisticated approach to cookie management.

Blocking Cookies from Specific Sites

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Gear Icon (Tools Menu).
3. Select “Internet Options”.
4. Go to the “Privacy” tab.
5. Click “Sites”.
6. Enter the website address in the “Address of website” field.
7. Click “Block”. This adds the website to your list of blocked sites.
8. Click “OK” on all open windows to save your changes.

This allows you to selectively manage which websites can store cookies on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Internet Explorer Cookies

Here are answers to frequently asked questions to arm you with the knowledge of a true cookie connoisseur.

1. What exactly are cookies?

Cookies are small text files websites store on your computer. They are used to remember your preferences, login information, and browsing activity. Think of them as digital sticky notes left behind by websites.

2. Why should I clear cookies?

Clearing cookies enhances privacy by removing tracking data, improves browser performance by deleting potentially corrupted files, and can resolve website loading issues. It’s digital hygiene, really.

3. How often should I clear my cookies?

This depends on your privacy concerns and browsing habits. Regularly, once a week or month, is a good starting point. If you visit many sites with questionable privacy policies, more frequent clearing may be necessary.

4. Will clearing cookies log me out of websites?

Yes, clearing cookies will typically log you out of websites where you’re logged in. This is because login information is often stored in cookies.

5. What’s the difference between “session cookies” and “persistent cookies”?

Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your computer for a longer period, sometimes for months or even years. They’re used to remember your preferences across multiple browsing sessions.

6. Does clearing cookies delete my passwords?

No, clearing cookies alone does not delete your saved passwords, unless you specifically choose to delete saved passwords in the “Delete Browsing History” window. Passwords are usually stored separately.

7. Can websites still track me after I clear cookies?

Yes, websites can still track you using other methods, such as IP address tracking, browser fingerprinting, and other technologies. Clearing cookies only removes one piece of the puzzle.

8. Are all cookies bad?

No, not all cookies are bad. First-party cookies (those from the website you’re visiting) are often essential for website functionality. Third-party cookies (those from other domains) are more likely to be used for tracking.

9. How can I prevent websites from setting cookies in the first place?

You can adjust your browser’s privacy settings to block all cookies or only allow cookies from specific websites. However, blocking all cookies can break some websites.

10. What is “InPrivate Browsing” in Internet Explorer?

InPrivate Browsing is a private browsing mode that doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, or temporary internet files. This provides a temporary layer of privacy for a single browsing session.

11. Will clearing cookies speed up my computer?

Clearing cookies can improve your browser’s performance by removing potentially corrupted or outdated files. However, the impact is usually minimal unless you have a very large number of cookies. Other factors, like the overall health of your computer, also play a significant role.

12. What are “supercookies” and how are they different from regular cookies?

Supercookies (also known as zombie cookies) are more persistent and difficult to remove than regular cookies. They can be stored in multiple locations on your computer and can be recreated even after you delete them. They raise significant privacy concerns. While Internet Explorer isn’t particularly vulnerable to supercookies today, understanding the concept is still important.

Internet Explorer and the Modern Web: A Parting Thought

While Internet Explorer’s star has faded, the principles of managing cookies and understanding their impact on your privacy remain universally relevant. These concepts apply to all modern browsers, making your knowledge of Internet Explorer cookie management a valuable foundation for navigating the digital world. So, keep your cookies in check, stay informed, and browse responsibly!