Safari 2.0.1 (1.3.1 for Mac OS X 10.3.9) [#3] Slow/incomplete page loading; Solutions/Post-update procedure

Slow/incomplete page loading Users continue to report issues with slow or incomplete page loading under Safari 1.3.1 and Safari 2.0.1. This is a problem that existed for many users before the updates, but has either increased in its frequency of occurrence or remained unresolved under the latest iterations.

MacFixIt reader Jim writes:

"In the past Safari has stalled when loading but in time would load. Now Safari stops loading altogether until another URL is selected than the page will flash up a completed page just before the page is cleared to load the new URL often just to repeat the same process. Having a way to reverse the last upgrade would be an upgrade in performance. Having a way to have Safari go back to 10.3.x days would be the best upgrade from a performance point of view."

Solutions/Post-update procedure

Clear Java caches for slow page loading If you are experiencing issues with slow page loading with certain sites after upgrading to Safari 1.3.1 or Safari 2.0.1, you may need to clear your Java caches.

In order to do this:

1. Open the application "Java 1.4.2 Plugin Settings" located in Applications/Utilities/Java on a normal Mac OS X installation.
2. Click the "Cache" tab
3. Click "Clear"
4. Repeat this process for the "Java 1.3.1 Plugin Settings" application also located in Applications/Utilities/Java

Make sure all of your plug-ins are updated Some unexpected quits occurring with the new releases of Safari are associated with embedded media (Flash, etc.). As such, you should make sure that all appropriate plug-ins are updated to their latest revisions to ensure compatibility.

Delete .plist file, cookies, more The following maintenance procedures have also proved successful for users experiencing issues since applying the latest Safari updates:

• Empty the Safari Cache (an option in the application menu ["Safari"])
• Clear the browser history (an option in the "History") menu.
• Delete the file com.Apple.Safari.plist, located in ~/Library/Preferences/ (various settings may be lost)
• Delete the Icons directory from ~/Library/Safari/ (the small icons that load in the URL field will no longer be cached)
• Delete site-specific cookies by opening the Safari Preference pane (accessible via the application menu ["Safari"]), then opening the "Security" tab and selecting "Show Cookies." Remove cookies that correspond to the sites you are experiencing issues with.
• Failing the above options, reset Safari. This is accomplished by choosing "Reset Safari" from the Safari menu. Resetting Safari clears the history, empties the cache, clears the Downloads window, and removes all cookies. It also removes any saved user names and passwords or other AutoFill data and clears Google search entries.

Repair permissions Also remember to repair permissions using Apple's Disk Utility (located in Applications/Utilities on a normal Mac OS X installation) after updating Safari. Several readers note various permissions errors apparent after the update.

MacFixIt reader Chris writes:

"I repaired my permissions after in stalling the the new Safari 2.0.1 update, and discovered a long list of Flash plug-in which needed to be fixed."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Safari 2.0.1 (1.3.1 for Mac OS X 10.3.9) [#2]: Stability not improved for some; Speed increases; more
• Apple releases Safari 2.0.1 for Mac OS X 10.4.2, Safari 1.3.1 for Mac OS X 10.3.9

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