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When on the Internet, for every page I want to look at I have to press the restore down key. It used to do it automatically. What’s wrong?

This is one of those problems where you will need to complete one troubleshooting task at a time until you come upon the one that works. Just go through the list, reading through the directions before you begin to solve your problem refreshing web pages. Once you have solved the problem, the other steps probably aren’t necessary, except possibly to scan the computer for spyware.

Troubleshooting Refreshing Internet Pages: Clear Cache

Sometimes all it takes to fix a problem such as this is to clear out the temporary Internet cache. It’s like having a glitch in the system and each time, you get stuck at the glitch. Clearing the cache typically makes this type of glitch with refreshing pages disappear. Just follow these simple steps to clear the Internet cache:

1)      Open Internet Explorer.

2)      Select “Tools” from the menu.

3)      Select the tab for “Delete Browsing History.”

4)      Select the section “Temporary Internet Files.”

5)      Mark off the selections for “Temporary Internet Files,” “History,” “Cookies,” and Form Data,” and click “Delete.”

Troubleshooting Refreshing Internet Pages: Updating Internet Explorer

Does your version of Internet Explorer need updating? Currently, Internet Explorer is up to version 8. If you don’t have it, now might be a good time to update your version to this current one. It is possible that updating will correct the problem with refreshing pages.

Troubleshooting Refreshing Internet Pages: Scan for Spyware

Spyware is notorious for creating problems with Internet usage. On the off chance that this is the problem, scan your computer with an up-to-date version of an anti-spyware application. If you don’t have one, I can recommend: XoftspySE.

Troubleshooting Refreshing Internet Pages: Random Strategies

Some users have expressed success in dealing with Internet Explorer errors by using a random strategy such as the one described here. Open Internet Explorer on the computer. Then, open another window for it and try using that one. If it works correctly, close the first Internet Explorer window that you opened. Hopefully, the problem will disappear now.

Alternatively, you can try using the “hot key” to refresh the page. Hopefully, this strategy will work correctly and the problem will disappear. Simply press “CTRL and F5.”

Does my Internet cache store private info like passwords and account numbers?

Managing user names, account numbers, and passwords is a royal pain, isn’t it? If you’re like me, you have ATM cards, home security systems, work security systems, voicemail access, computer accounts, Internet access, e-mail accounts, online banking, online insurance, online brokerage accounts, and dozens of Websites that you regularly access - all requiring unique user names and passwords. Internet Explorer and other Web browser attempt to help you manage your passwords by storing them in a cache. Simply allow the Web browser to “remember” the password and you can relax - or can you?

Because you computer can store this data, your system is automatically compromised. Imagine what would happen if your laptop were stolen. Could the thief simply start visiting financial Web pages until he finds your bank complete with your account number and password pre-filled in? Conceivably, yes. If you haven’t cleared your cache recently, all he would need to do is start entering each letter of the alphabet into the address bar.

Try it and see. Enter “a” into your address bar. What shows up? A whole screen appears listing all of the websites that you’ve recently visited beginning with the letter “a.” Did “Allstate Insurance” just pop up? Is your account number and password pre-filled in? Now try “b.” Gosh, is that Bank of America?

The above example is an extremely low-tech way of discovering your Web accounts and stored passwords. It also illustrates how quickly anyone can access your financial information without having any technical abilities or know how. More sophisticated users can go in and get even more sensitive data.

Fortunately, you can do a few things to further protect your financial data. First, most financial institutions using online banking have implemented more secure log on practices. For example, Bank of America will remember your “Saved online ID” though it blanks out most of the numbers. Once you click “Sign in,” you’re taken to a screen where you must verify a pre-identified image called a “site key” before entering your passcode. ING Direct takes it a step further by implementing a similar setup but requiring you to enter your password using a numeric keypad to represent the letters of your password. Each time you log in, the keypad has a different set of corresponding letters to numbers.

A variety of systems on your computer attempt to help make browsing easier but they do raise security concerns including cookies (which can store your passwords and account numbers), temporary Internet files, and browser histories.

Internet Explorer provides a way for you to delete this information. Steps vary depending on which version you are using. In IE 7, go into Tools>Internet Options. The General tab has an area devoted to Browsing History. Click the Delete button and you will be able to delete:

• Temporary Internet Files
• Cookies
• History
• Form Data
• Passwords

Once you’ve cleared the sensitive information, you need to have a new resolve. Can you remember all of your passwords and account numbers without relying on these built-in tools? Start by refusing to allow Windows to save your form data and password information when prompted. Regularly clear your Browsing History items.

Consider offline methods for managing your passwords. For example, Bank of America offers a “SafePass” security option where you can get one-time passwords delivered to your cell phone. As soon as you use this one-time password, it expires. You get a new password the next time you need to log in.