Technical FAQs—Adjusting Web browser settings

The basics:

What is an operating system?

How can I tell which operating system I'm using?

What is a Web browser?

How can I tell which browser I'm using?

Which browsers and operating systems work best with Vanguard.com?

How do I upgrade or change my browser?

What can I do if I'm having problems accessing Vanguard.com with America Online?

What can I do if I'm having problems with WebTV (MSN TV)?

What can I do if I'm having problems with Safari?

Cookies and other data files:

What are temporary Internet files and how can I delete them?

What are cookies and why must my browser accept them?

How do I reset my browser to accept cookies?

What is a Flash Object?

How do I manage or delete Flash Objects on my computer?

Browser settings:

The text size on the pages is too large or too small. How do I adjust it?

How do I disable my popup blocker?

What is an operating system?

Your operating system is the program that controls your computer. Most computers already have an operating system installed when you buy them. The two most popular operating system families are Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh. Each operating system family comes in specific versions. If you're running Windows, you may be running Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition (Windows ME), Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. If you're using a Macintosh, you may be running Mac OS X 10.1, OS X 10.2 (Jaguar), OS X 10.3 (Panther), or OS X 10.4 (Tiger). Generally, if you want to upgrade your operating system, you need to purchase the upgrade from Microsoft, Apple, or a software reseller.

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How can I tell which operating system I'm using?

If you're using a Windows operating system other than Windows Vista, you'll see a Start button, usually in the bottom left corner of your screen. When you click Start, the version (such as Windows 2000) is written sideways along the left edge of the Start menu. You can also double-click My Computer (on your desktop or in your Start menu). In the resulting window, click the Help menu, then About Windows. The version of Windows will display.

If you're using Windows Vista, your Start button will resemble a circle with the Windows logo in the center, usually located in the bottom left corner of your screen. To verify which version of Vista you're running, click Start, right-click Computer, and select Properties. Your version of Vista (such as Windows Vista Business) will display at the top of the system window.

If you're using a Macintosh operating system, you'll see an apple in the top left corner of your screen. To check which Mac operating system you're running, click the apple and then choose About This Mac (or About This Computer). The version of the Macintosh operating system will display.

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What is a Web browser?

Your Web browser is the computer program you use to view webpages. In most cases, the Web browser that you use is not specific to your Internet service provider (the company you pay to connect to the Internet). The most popular Web browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, America Online, and Apple Safari. (Note that America Online as a company is an Internet service provider, but the America Online software contains both a Web browser and an e-mail reader, along with other features.) Some Web browsers only run on certain operating systems. Each Web browser comes in different versions. For example, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 was the version of Internet Explorer that came with Windows XP, while Internet Explorer 7.0 is available on Windows Vista.

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How can I tell which browser I'm using?

Most people launch their Web browser by double-clicking an icon on their desktop, in their Dock, or on their Taskbar. To find out which browser and version you're using:

Windows users

• If you double-click an icon that looks like a big, blue "e," you're probably using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Click Help in the toolbar and select About Internet Explorer to find out which version of Internet Explorer you're running.
• If you double-click a triangular icon, you're probably using America Online. Click Help at the top of your AOL screen and select About America Online to find out which version of AOL you're running.
• If you double-click an icon that looks like a blue ball with an orange fox wrapped around it, you're probably using Mozilla Firefox. Click Help in the toolbar and select About Mozilla Firefox to find out which version you're running.
• If you double-click an icon that looks like a blue, yellow, and red ball, you're probably using Google Chrome. Click the wrench icon and select About Google Chrome to find out which version you're running.

Macintosh users

• If you double-click a triangular icon, you're probably using America Online. Click the AOL menu and select About America Online to find out which version you're running.
• If you double-click an icon that looks like a blue ball with an orange fox wrapped around it, you're probably using Mozilla Firefox. Click the Firefox menu and select About Mozilla Firefox to find out which version you're running.
• If you double-click an icon that looks like a compass, you're probably using Apple Safari. Click the Safari menu and select About Safari to find out which version you're running.

There are many other Web browsers available for accessing the Internet. The steps used to check the browser and version are similar for all of them. If you don't see your browser listed above, check the Help menu or the application's menu for an "About" choice.

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Which browsers and operating systems work best with Vanguard.com?

Not all browsers or operating systems work equally well with our site. For the best results, we recommend the following:

Windows users

We recommend running Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista and using one of the following browsers:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher.
• Firefox 3.0 or higher.
• AOL 9.0 or higher.
• Google Chrome 2.0 or higher.

Macintosh users

We recommend running Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or 10.5 (Leopard) and using one of the following browsers:

• Safari 3.0 or higher.
• Firefox 3.0 or higher.

To upgrade your existing browser, see How do I upgrade or change my browser?

Many browser-related questions are answered in the Help menu in the browser toolbar at the top of your screen.

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How do I upgrade or change my browser?

You can maintain more than one Web browser on your computer at a time (such as Internet Explorer and Firefox), but you would usually only have one version of the browser (such as Firefox 3.0.0.10) installed at a time. You can download most browsers for free directly from the manufacturers' websites. Be sure to choose the most recent version that will run on your computer's operating system and follow the installation instructions carefully. If you have technical problems, contact the manufacturer for support.

Some manufacturers offer beta versions (or test versions) of Web browsers through their website. We cannot guarantee that a beta version of a browser will be compatible with our website, and we recommend that you use only final-release versions of operating systems and Web browsers.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

• Download Internet Explorer 6 (Windows XP Service Pack 1.)
• Download Internet Explorer 7 or 8 (Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista. If you're experiencing difficulty and want to reinstall, please contact Microsoft for support.)

America Online

• Windows users: Go to keyword "Browser" to upgrade to America Online 9. Please make sure to upgrade both America Online and the Web browser (Internet Explorer), not just the America Online software, when prompted.  

Mozilla Firefox

• Windows or Mac users: Download latest version.

Apple Safari

• Click your Apple menu and choose Software Update, then run the updater to get the latest version of Safari. Note: You must be running Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) to install Safari 3.0 or higher.

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What can I do if I'm having problems accessing Vanguard.com with America Online?

If you have problems accessing or using our website through AOL on Windows, try opening Microsoft Internet Explorer separately as follows:

• Minimize your AOL window, then double-click Internet Explorer on your desktop. (You can also open Internet Explorer by clicking Start in the lower left corner of the screen and selecting Internet Explorer from the Programs menu.)
• Once Internet Explorer opens, type www.vanguard.com in the address window and click Enter.

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What can I do if I'm having problems with WebTV (MSN TV)?

Vanguard.com no longer supports the WebTV or MSN TV browsers. Some WebTV users may have limited functionality on our website. However, we cannot guarantee access while using a Web appliance. Please access the site using a Windows or Macintosh computer running one of the recommended browsers.

What can I do if I'm having problems with Safari?

We strive to ensure that our website is compatible with the browsers our clients use most frequently, and that includes the Safari browser. Some of our website's newer features may experience compatibility issues with Safari, and we are working to resolve those issues. If you experience an immediate issue, please download and use the latest version of Firefox. In addition, please upgrade your Web browser when the next version becomes available.

To download Firefox or upgrade your existing Safari browser, see How do I upgrade or change my browser?

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What are temporary Internet files and how can I delete them?

When you visit a website, your computer stores tiny pieces of data from the site so that its pages will display faster during return visits. Most computers store such files in a cache file or a folder called Temporary Internet Files. Occasionally the files can become corrupt or outdated and need to be deleted.

To clear your browser's cache (temporary Internet files), follow these steps:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x for Windows

• Click Tools in the browser toolbar, then select Internet Options.
• In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete Files, then click OK in the Delete Files window.
• Click OK again.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.x and 8.x for Windows

• Click Tools in the enhanced browser toolbar and select Internet Options.
• In the Browsing History section, click Delete.
• Click Delete Files in the Temporary Internet Files section of the Delete Browsing History window. Do not click Delete All. The Delete All feature will remove all cookies, passwords, and history from all other websites as well as Vanguard's.
• Click Yes in the Delete Files window and click Close.
• Click OK to close the Internet Options window.

America Online 9 for Windows

• Click the Settings button in your AOL toolbar.
• Click Internet [Web] Options.
• Click the Internet Explorer Settings link on the right. The Internet Options window will open.
• In the Temporary Internet Files section, click Delete Files, then click OK in the Delete Files window.
• Click OK again.
• Once you've changed the settings and closed the Internet Options window, you can close the various AOL windows by clicking the X in the top right corner of each window.

Google Chrome 2.0 for Windows

• Click the wrench icon.
• Click Clear Browsing History.

Firefox 3.x for Windows or Mac

• Windows users: Click Tools in the browser toolbar, then select Options. Mac OS X users: Click the Firefox menu, then select Preferences.
• Click the Advanced category.
• Click the Network tab.
• Click the Clear Now  button under the Cache heading. Click OK or close the window.

Safari 3.0 and 4.0 for Mac

• Click the Safari menu, then choose Empty Cache.
• Click Empty to confirm. For best results, quit Safari and relaunch it.

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What are cookies and why must my browser accept them?

Cookies and other similar data files are tiny pieces of information that we ask your browser to store. If your browser doesn't accept cookies, you won't be able to view your account information online.

Vanguard.com uses two types of these data files:

Session cookies. These data files are temporary cookies that are deleted when you shut down your browser, when you log off, or after your computer is inactive for 15 minutes. These cookies let us know that you have logged on, and they allow us to maintain your privacy as you move from page to page. They also act as timers, logging you off after prolonged inactivity to prevent unauthorized account access.

Permanent or persistent cookies/data files. These types of data files are stored on your hard drive and are read by your browser each time you visit our website. They are used to remember which investments you entered in your Watch List, which funds you're tracking through Outside Investments, the results from your last visit to our Narrow Your Fund Choices tool, and to help verify your identity when you try to access your account information or initiate an online transaction. We also use them if we need to send you important messages while you're online.

Important notes:

• We use data files such as cookies only when alternative means are not practical or available.
• We disclose all uses of these data files on this page.
• We do not use these data files to gather demographic or personal information for marketing purposes. We will not share information in these data files or give others access to it—except to help Vanguard better serve your investment needs. For example, we use cookies to support website enhancements that involve the participation of third-party vendors; in such cases, we restrict the use of cookies to protect your privacy. We may also use cookies and similar data files to verify authorized activity on your account.
• We limit the size of our cookies to 4 kilobytes. (It would take about 20 million cookies to fill a 2-gigabyte hard drive.)
• You may receive multiple cookies or similar data files during each visit to Vanguard.com. For example, when you navigate within a secure area, temporary cookies may be created each time you leave a page.

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How do I reset my browser to accept cookies?

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x, 7.x, and 8.x for Windows

• Click Tools from the Internet Explorer menu, and select Internet Options.
• Click the Privacy tab.
• Make sure you're not set to "Block all cookies."
• Click the Edit button at the bottom of the window. (If you're using Windows XP Service Pack 2, click the Sites button instead.)
• Type vanguard.com into the address box and click Allow. You should see vanguard.com listed as "Always allow." Click OK at each window to close it.

America Online 9 for Windows

• Click the Settings button in your AOL toolbar.
• Click Internet [Web] Options.
• Click the Internet Explorer Settings link on the right. The Internet Options window will open.
• If you see a Privacy tab, follow the cookies instructions for Internet Explorer 6.x for Windows. If you don't see a Privacy tab, you need to upgrade your America Online software. Please see How do I upgrade or change my browser? After the upgrade, come back and follow the Internet Explorer 6 instructions above.
• Once you've changed the settings and closed the Internet Options window, you can close the various AOL windows by clicking X in the top right corner of each window.

Google Chrome 2.x for Windows

• Click the wrench icon.
• Click Options.
• Select the Under the Hood tab.
• Select Allow Cookies from the "Cookie Settings" dropdown menu.

Firefox 3.x for Windows or Mac

• Windows users: Click Tools in the browser toolbar, then select Options. Mac OS X users: Click the Firefox menu, then select Preferences.
• Click the Privacy category.
• In the Cookies section, make sure the "Allow sites to set cookies" checkbox is checked.
• Make sure the "Keep cookies" menu is set to "Until they expire" and click OK or close the window.

Safari 3.0 and 4.0 for Mac

• Click the Safari menu, then choose Preferences.
• Click the Security tab.
• Make sure "Accept cookies" is set to "Always."
• Close the window by clicking the red button in the top left corner.

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What is a Flash Object?

Macromedia Flash objects store data on your computer, similar to cookies. If you deleted all your cookies and you have Macromedia Flash installed, we can use Flash objects to recognize your computer. This allows us to identify you without you having to answer one of your security questions.

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How do I manage or delete Flash Objects on my computer?

Flash objects can be managed or deleted by adjusting the settings of the Flash software installed on your computer. You won't find a control panel for these settings on your computer, however. To make these changes, please visit the Macromedia Flash Player Settings Manager.

The Website Privacy Settings tab allows you to control access to your computer's camera, microphone, and ability to store information on your system. Vanguard does not need to access your camera or microphone but will need this permission in order to store information on your computer. To grant this access, click vanguard.com in the list of visited websites, then make sure that either Always allow (recommended) or Always ask is chosen.   

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The text size on the pages is too large or too small. How do I adjust it?

To change the way your browser displays text:

Windows users:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x

• Click the View menu, select Text size, and choose the size you prefer.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.x and 8.x

• Click the Page menu, select Text size, and choose the size you prefer.

America Online

• Close America Online.
• Double-click Microsoft Internet Explorer on your desktop or in your Start menu. (You may get a message that you're not connected to the Internet. Click Work offline if prompted.)
• Follow the Internet Explorer instructions above.
• When complete, close Internet Explorer and reopen your AOL browser.

Mozilla Firefox

• Click the View menu, select Text size, then select Increase or Decrease until you reach a comfortable text size. (Choose Normal to set the browser back to the default.)

Google Chrome 2.x

• Click the wrench icon.
• Click Options.
• Select the Minor Tweaks tab.
• Click Change Font and Language Settings and choose the size you prefer.

Mac users:

Mozilla Firefox

• Click the View menu, select Text size, then select Increase or Decrease until you reach a comfortable text size. (Choose Normal to set the browser back to the default.)

Safari

• Click the View menu, then select Make text bigger or Make text smaller until you reach a comfortable text size.

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How do I disable my popup blocker?

In order to use our site you may need to disable your popup blocker(s). First you need to locate the applications, then disable the popup blockers.

There are three major types of popup blockers, and you may have all three types installed, in various applications on your system.

1. Blockers built into your Web browser: Internet Explorer 6 and higher, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome all have popup blockers built into the applications. See below for instructions for specific Web browsers.
2. Blockers you add through a toolbar: Some of the most popular Web browser toolbars, such as Google Toolbar and Yahoo! Companion include popup blockers you can control in the toolbar window. We recommend that you check the toolbar manufacturer’s website to access instructions for disabling the popup blocker, as most manufacturers keep this information in their online help files.
3. Stand-alone blockers: You can also purchase or download applications that block popup windows and other advertisements as part of an overall security package. These include applications such as Popup Stopper, Ad-Subtract, and Ad-Aware, as well as firewall or antivirus applications including Norton Internet Security and Zone Alarm. We recommend that you check the manufacturer’s website or the help files for the application to access instructions for disabling the popup blocker.

Note: Most popup blockers running on Windows computers can be temporarily disabled by holding down the Control (Ctrl) key on your keyboard while clicking a link. This is the fastest and easiest first step.

To disable a popup blocker on your Web browser, do the following:

Windows users:

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, 7, or 8 on Windows XP or Vista

• Click the Tools menu, point to Popup blocker, then click Turn off popup blocker.

Mozilla Firefox 3.x

• Click the Tools menu, then select Options.
• Click on the Content icon at the top of the Options window.
• Uncheck the Block popup windows option.

America Online 9

• Click the Safety icon in your toolbar.
• If Web popups are enabled, click Web popups.
• Click Allow all Web popups.

Google Chrome 2.x

• Right-click on your Google Chrome icon and choose Properties.
• In the Shortcut tab, add the following text to the field labeled "target": -disable-popup-blocking
• The field should now look something like this: "C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application\ata\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe" -disable-popup-blocking

Macintosh users:

Safari 3.0 and 4.0

• Click the Safari menu.
• If the menu has a checkmark to the left of the Block popup windows option, the popup blocker is enabled. Select Block popup windows to clear the check.

Mozilla Firefox 3.0

• Click the Firefox menu, then select Preferences.
• Uncheck the Block popup windows option.

If you are running a stand-alone popup blocker, try the following suggestions to help you modify or disable the blocker. For specific instructions, please contact the software manufacturer.

• Disable it when coming to our site. The program usually is viewable in the system tray located in the bottom right corner of your screen next to the clock. You may be able to right-click the application’s icon and exit or disable it. When you restart your computer, it will start running again.
• Some popup programs allow you to enter website URLs for which you would like to allow all popup windows. Check the help section of the program or contact the manufacturer of the product to find out how to do this.
• Uninstall the popup-stopper program.

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