How to Fix a Missing Toolbar in Internet Explorer

Most people have very particular ways they like their web browser to look and function. Unfortunately, downloading plug-ins or add-ons, whether intentionally or not, can often change your setup. Losing or misplacing toolbars that you prefer is one of the most common problems. Luckily, it's also quite easy to fix, particularly in Internet Explorer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open Internet Explorer, and make sure that it is running properly. If you receive any error messages upon opening it, your best bet is to reinstall Explorer rather than customize the options as new add-ons have likely caused serious problems. If it runs properly, however, continue to the next step.

2. Check to see that the menu bar is visible. If the menu bar is missing, you will have to make it reappear. Right-click anywhere below the "Title Bar" (the bar which shows the Internet Explorer icon and the name of the current website) and any other visible menu bars. Then be sure that the "Menu Bar" has a check mark beside it on the window that appears. Click "Menu Bar" if there is no check.

3. Click on "View" in the menu bar. Then click on "Toolbars" from that menu. This will bring up a list of available tool bars. To make the one you want appear, simply click its name, making sure that a check appears next to the name.

4. Restart Internet Explorer. Some toolbars will reappear immediately. Others require a restart. But restart the application anyway to make sure that your new preferences are saved.

5. Reinstall any extra toolbar applications if they do not appear in the Toolbar menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Some toolbars have further visualization options beyond what Internet Explorer makes generally available. Check the options on each customizable toolbar to set the options you want.