How to Clear a Browser's Cookies

Your computer sends an information request to every website it visits. A server replies and the information loads into your browser. Cookies are electronic placeholders for information. At a server's request, cookies with your personal information transmit your website preferences. However, you do have the option to remove cookies from your computer for privacy. Here's how to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Delete Internet Explorer Cookies

1. Select "Internet Options" from the Tool drop down menu. Click the "General" tab.

2. Choose "Settings" and "View Files" to review Explorer cookies on your computer. Select the cookies you want to delete. Choose more than one cookie by pressing and holding the "CTRL" key, or press "CTRL+A" to select all cookies in the file.

3. Press "Delete" on the keyboard and you will delete all the selected cookies from your computer.

4. Click "OK" twice to return to browser window.

Delete Firefox Cookies

5. Select "Options" from the Tools menu.

6. Click "Privacy."

7. Press the "Show Cookies" button. A website listing will appear with numerous unfamiliar websites. Click the "+" to expand the listing to show a particular website's individual cookies.

8. Choose "Remove Cookies" to remove individually reviewed cookies. Clicking "Remove All Cookies" deletes all cookies.

9. Click "Close" and then "OK" to return to browsing window.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an anti-spyware program, like Ad Aware. Periodically scanning your system removes suspicious cookies. See the link to LavaSoftUSA in Resources to download software.
• If you're running an older browser, check out the Mahalo website for instructions on deleting cookies from your computer.
• Deleting cookies removes your logged in status for websites like Yahoo!.

Resources

• Find cookie deletion steps for older browsers at Mahalo.
• Find Ad Adware, anti-spyware software, at LavaSoft.