Member Avatar for Freeagent

Hi, Explorer used to remember past information I'd entered into web forms and gave me the option of autofilling when it looked like I was re-entering the same info (very useful for eBay feedback, book database author searches, etc). This facility has suddenly stopped working - is there a setting hidden somewhere in Explorer or Windows that I've accidentally changed that I can reset? If it helps - I've also just installed Norton Systemworks 2006, could this be the culprit? Many thanks.

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Short summary: ’s hint fixed the saved-form/autocomplete problem, so the remaining issue (forms going blank when using the Back button) is almost always about page caching or a cleanup/privacy tool rather than the browser’s autocomplete database. The behaviour can come from server-side headers or from something on the PC that forces pages not to be cached (or that wipes form data on navigation/exit).

A quick isolation workflow (do each step and check results):

  • Test whether the problem is site-specific by opening the same form in another browser (Firefox/Chrome). If other browsers keep the values, the cause is IE-specific.
  • Test with a simple local HTML form (below). If the local form keeps values, the live sites are likely sending cache/no-store headers or using server-side redirects.
  • Run IE without add-ons to rule out helper software: start IE with iexplore.exe -extoff. If that restores Back-button behavior, an add-on or security suite is likely clearing fields.

Example local test files (save two files in the same folder, open test_form.html in IE; fill the field, click the link, then use Back):

test_form.html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html><body>
  <form method="post" action="submit.html">
    <input type="text" name="sample" />
    <input type="submit" />
  </form>
  <p><a href="submit.html">Go to submit page</a></p>
</body></html>

submit.html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html><body>
  <p>Submit page. <a href="test_form.html">Back</a></p>
</body></html>

If the local test fails, investigate local software that erases web form data. Norton SystemWorks and similar suites often include privacy/cleanup components that clear form data or prevent caching; check their scheduled/automatic cleanup options and temporarily disable them. If the local test works but live sites still lose values, the site may send Cache-Control: no-store/no-cache or use HTTPS with headers that prevent caching; in that case the behaviour is by design and must be addressed server-side. Caution: resetting or repeatedly changing IE/OS settings and security software can remove saved passwords and other settings, so record important data before doing broad resets.

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Member Avatar for nanosani

Open internet explorer .. go to tools --> internet options --> content --> autocomplete ... and make sure that forms is checked ..

Member Avatar for Freeagent

Hi Nanosani - many thanks for the info, it's now working ok. However I still have a problem when using my "Back" arrow (not mentioned previously) - until recently data I'd entered in a web form would be remembered if I used the "Back" arrow, so if I'd made a mistake I just had to edit the incorrect data and resubmit. When using the "Back" arrow now it takes me back to a completely empty web form and everything has to be re-entered again from scratch. Any ideas??? Thanks again for your help - much appreciated.

Member Avatar for nanosani

Does this happen to one site or every site that has forms??

Go to internet options --> general --> settings ... confirm that "Automatically" radio box is selected.

Member Avatar for Freeagent

Hi Nanosani - it happens on every site that has forms. The "Automatically" radio box is already selected. I've experimented with the other buttons without any luck (should I exit and restart Explorer for any such changes to take effect???). Previously when I made an entry error and used the "Back" button my original entries were still visible and could just be edited as required - all I get now is a blank data entry form so everything needs to be re-entered.

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