Preventing and Fixing Technical Problems
Error messages, odd files, and technical problems—when you have trouble accessing or using the Registry site, it’s often because of an issue with your own computer or internet set up. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and fix many of the most common problems you might have.
Use the Right Browser
Access problems can be caused by the browser you use. A browser—sometimes called a web browser—is an application used to access and view websites. Common browsers include Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Apple Safari. Run the most current version of your browser to ensure you have all the features and security protection.
Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
When you see error messages, odd or old information, or other issues online, it is often because of information your computer has hidden behind the scenes. This stored information is called the cache or browsing history. Every time you visit a website, your browser stores:
- Information such as the location of the site you visited
- Files used to run an online application
- Downloads, such as old versions of forms and documents
Browsers also add “cookies”: small pieces of data from a website that get stored in your browser. Every time you go to that same website, the browser sends the cookie back to the website with all the information from the last visit. This can cause problems with logging in, getting the website to load correctly, or seeing the latest information.
The Registry constantly updates our site but the next time you visit the Registry, you might see old files your browser stored instead of recent updates. To prevent this from happening, you should clear the browser cache and cookies on your computer often. Our software support team provided this link with information on clearing your browser cache and cookies.
Other Common Issues that Affect Using the Registry
- Slow internet speed from your internet service provider
- Being part of a network that has set security or other access barriers (common with school districts, hospital systems, state agencies, large companies, etc.)
- Shared computers – when a person who used the computer before you did not log out of their account it can cause problems for you to log in or use your account. Also, if you do not log out, someone else may be able to access your personal information. Always sign out and close the browser before you leave a shared or public computer. Before you try to log in on a shared computer, check to make sure other people logged out and closed the browser.