Online resource access problems can often be caused by the web browser installed on your PC/laptop/device. Web browsers create temporary files (sometimes known as "cookies) which can potentially block your access to an e-resource platform.
To test to see if the access error is caused by the current browser you are using, a general rule is to try accessing the resource in a different browser. For example, if you cannot connect to the resource using Internet Explorer (IE), try accessing the resource from Chrome or Firefox. Does switching your browser make a difference? Do you connect successfully to the resource in a different browser, or are you still seeing the same error message on the screen?
You can also try clearing or deleting your browser's cache (this can also be referred to as your browsing history). This process removes any temporary files or automatically saved data from your browser set up. To find out how you clear/delete the cache of common web browsers, please consult the relevant info box below.
- In the upper left of your Firefox browser window, click on the Firefox tab. This will reveal a drop-down list:
- Click History. From here you can view a history of all the websites you have visited in your Firefox browser.
- Click Clear Recent History to remove data from your Firefox browser.
- Alternatively, press the hot keys CTRL+SHIFT+DEL together to go direct to the Clear Recent History facility.
- For information about Safari browser settings for Apple devices (iPod, iPad etc), please consult the following guidance available on the Apple support site https://support.apple.com/kb/ht1677
- In the upper right of your Internet Explorer (IE) browser window, you will see a "Cog" icon. This is the Tools option. Clicking on Tools will reveal a drop-down list:
- Click Internet options. Within the Browsing History section, click the Delete function. You will now be able to clear data from your IE browser.
- Alternatively, press the hot keys CTRL+SHIFT+DEL together to be taken direct to the Delete screen.
- In the upper right of your Chrome browser window, you will see an icon with three "grid lines". This is the Chrome Customise & Control menu:
- From the drop-down menu, Choose the History option. Now select Clear browsing data. Clicking on this option will allow you to clear data from your Chrome browser.
- Alternatively, press the hot keys CTRL + H together to go direct to the Chrome History settings.