I can’t log in to a website on my new PC in work while on my notebook I can

Troubleshooting Access Issues: Why a Website Works on Your Personal Device but Not on Your Work Desktop

Introducing the Challenge

Many professionals encounter technology hurdles when transitioning to new work environments. A common scenario involves accessing certain online platforms or services that seem to behave differently across devices. For instance, some users notice that they can log into a website seamlessly on their personal devices but face difficulties when trying to access the same site on their work desktop.

A Real-World Example

Consider a recent case where an individual, newly employed and using their personal notebook, experienced no issues accessing a specific website. However, upon starting to work with a company-provided desktop PC, they encountered an unusual problem: every attempt to log in resulted in a message indicating that the username or email already exists, as if they were trying to register anew rather than logging in.

Understanding the Issue

At first glance, this discrepancy may seem perplexing, especially since both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The core of the issue lies in the way the website processes login attempts from different devices, which can be influenced by several factors:

Browser Cache and Cookies
Saved Login Credentials
Browser Extensions or Security Settings
Differences in Network Configuration or VPN usage
Potential IP or Device Recognition Issues

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Impact: Storing outdated or corrupted data can interfere with login procedures.
Action: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies on the desktop PC and try logging in again.
Check Saved Passwords and Autofill Settings
Impact: Incorrect autofill data might cause login errors.
Action: Review and update saved login credentials, or try logging in through a private/incognito window.
Disable Browser Extensions
Impact: Some extensions can interfere with website functionality.
Action: Temporarily disable extensions and attempt to log in.
Verify Network Settings
Impact: Corporate networks sometimes have firewalls or proxies that can alter website behavior.
Action: Attempt access using a different network or through a VPN to identify potential network-related issues.
Consider Browser Compatibility
Impact: Different browsers may handle web scripts differently.
Action: Test logging in with an alternative browser.
Use the ‘Forgot Password’ Option
Impact: Sometimes resetting credentials can resolve account recognition issues.
Action: Use the website’s account