CSS updates taking minutes to see

Even removing css file doesn't change styles on site

[AWildman]

Irritating problem: I'm having an issue with css files only. I can make any change to a file, post it, and it takes minutes to see the change. 1) I've logged onto the server and viewed the file to ensure that it was properly ftp'ed. 2) I've made the changes on the server and still the changes don't take effect. 3) I've REMOVED the entire css file and the site still appears as though the file were there. 4) It goes without saying that I've cleared my cache on my browsers each and every time I've checked a change. 5) It happens on Windows and Mac in all browsers.

What could POSSIBLY be causing this? It is as though the css is cached somewhere but I can't imagine where. I removed the style sheet from the server. I had coworkers who had not previously viewed the site do so and they still saw styled content. This obviously delays development and causes me major headaches. This has happened twice now on two different servers, one internal to the network, one outside the network. But it ONLY happens to my css files. I can see changes to html or php files instantly. HELP!

[DrDoc]

Are you behind a proxy? Does the server potentially have a cache?

Something somewhere is caching the file. Have you tried a ctrl-refresh? That should punch through the proxy ...

[AWildman]

I did do the cntl-refresh. It turns out our ISP has a caching server! Good to know. The only thing that worked was adding a question mark "?" after the filename in the link to the css file. That works reliably. How frustrating though when you haven't a clue about the caching server?