Can't Post??? Computer Clean Up Tips

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Can't Post??? Computer Clean Up Tips
Mon, 03-06-2006 - 6:38pm

Computer Cleanup


To make sure there isn't something on your computer that is interfering with your ability to use our boards, here are some steps for you to take:


Clearing Cache and Cookies
To clear your cache and cookies, go to Tools (in the bar on top of your browser) ---> Internet Options --> {click}
Delete Cookies AND Delete Files -- {click} Okay.
(close and reopen your browser for changes to take effect)
** Note: Clearing cache and cookies will delete stored member information, such as membername, password etc. You will need to re-log in to sites where you have saved your member information.


Check Browser Settings
These settings can affect how your browser interacts with our message boards. In order to use our boards, you will need to set your browser to accept cookies. To enable cookies, we recommend you set your browser's security settings to "medium." To accept cookies:
Netscape 7 users: Go to Edit > Preferences > Privacy & Security> Cookies > Enable All Cookies
Internet Explorer 6 users: Go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Accept All Cookies


Also, make sure your Security settings are set to "Medium" by going to Tools > Internet Options > Security -- Select "medium". (Close and reopen your browser for changes to take effect.)


Firewall Settings (if applicable)
If you have a firewall, make sure that it is set to allow information to flow to and from all iVillage and Prospero.com (our message board provider) domains. Also if you have a pop-up blocker or parental controls turned on, you may want to disable them to see if that corrects the problem. Since each program is slightly different, please consult your program?s help file or instruction manual for more information on the correct settings or how to enable/disable these features.


Browser/System Update
Make sure you have the latest updates and patches for your browser and operating system.
Internet Explorer Updates: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
Windows Updates: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Netscape Updates: http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp


Run a Virus/Spyware & Adware Scan
Since viruses can interfere with how your computer runs and processes information, it's always a good idea to make sure your anti-virus software is up to date and you check for viruses regularly. Here is a tool available online for checking most common/current viruses: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
Spyware and adware are increasingly common. These programs can cause your computer to run more slowly and interfere with normal applications. You might not realize that you have spyware installed on your machine because some spyware programs are bundled in other applications, such as some smiley/icon programs.


Here is an article that explains why spyware could be harmful to your computer http://www.calwell.ca/articles/a0026.php


Ad-aware is a free program that can scan and remove adware/spyware from your machine: http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/


Corrupt Files
Some members who continue to receive a "page cannot be displayed" error may have a local problem on their machine. This article explains more about this and how you can fix the problem.
While you may have done some of these steps previously (such as clearing cookies, etc.), it is helpful to do again after updates and fixes to make sure your computer is accessing the latest information correctly.