Missing Toolbars on Internet Windows 8

I am about to tear my hair out trying to get used to windows 8. The current problem is with my internet. I have no tool bars and I've googled how to add them permanently. The trouble is that you have to go to "Tools" on the toolbar to make the changes. I have no toolbar. Can anyone tell me how to access the toolbar, so I can change the settings and get a permanent tool bar I can see?

Also, when I try to bring up Firefox, I get a blank page. I had it installed and working and think I must have clicked on something to make it invisible, just no idea what.

This technically challenged human will once more appreciate any and all help I can get. And if any of you need help critting, I'm a pretty good critter of some stuff. That's about the only help I can give back.

Almost in tears over this dang computer,
Keyboard Hound

alleycat said:

Just to start . . .

Right-click on the top border and see what toolbars you have selected.

Then go to Firefox Tools > Options > General and see what, if any, your homepage is.

I'm not using Windows 8, but I am using Windows 7 and Firefox.

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Thanks so much, alleycat. I found my toolbars!! So half of this problem is solved. Sorry about the multiple posts. I posted the first time, went back and couldn't see where it went through, so I thought I hadn't submitted and started the other thread. I think I'm going crazy. Thanks for your patience.

shakeysix said:

That blank Firefox page happened to me last night. I fiddled around with the control panel and finally a box from Firefox came on asking if I wanted to reinstate and reinstall Firefox. From there it was easy to get it back but as to how I got from point A to there? No memory. Kind of like that trail of bread crumbs that Hansel and Gretel put down to find their way home--s6

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Thanks, shakeysix. At least now I know that part is not all me. I will figure something out--or be stuck with Explorer til I do.

mirandashell said:

My advice would be to dump Windows 8 completely and use Windows 7.

But possibly a bit late to tell you that now! LOL!

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I wish I'd talked to you a week ago!!
This is probably the best advice yet.

Shadow_Ferret said:

Are you using the tiled Firefox app or the desktop Firefox program?

The tiled app is made to be as minimal as possible, including not having a toolbar.

The desktop Firefox has all the bells and whistles.

That's all I can offer. I don't use Firefox.

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Lordy, lordy. LIfe is complicated. Don't know which one I'm using and probably won't know until I figure out how to see it. Didn't know there was two. I might just get used to explorer, since I'm having to get used to all kinds of new stuff.

I thank you all so much for you help. Do not know what I'd do without you to depend on when I get all tangled up in computer cords. I have never met a better bunch of people than right here on this board.

mirandashell said:

Do you know any helpful teenagers who could set all this up for you?

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No, at this point, I don't. I know that would be ideal. The last shop I took my computer to kept it three days and then told me they could not do what I needed which was simply to put in virus protection. I took it home and installed it myself. I'm trying to get this one going on my own, so I'll at least know what's been done to it. I got it to where now I can use it and I can change my settings on the internet to where I can better see the text, so I think I'll make it now--until the next major issue pops up anyway!

alleycat said:

So now you just don't have a homepage when you first bring up Firefox?

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That is right, alleycat. I have not had time to work with it so I'm using Explorer in the meantime.

SergeantC said:

Try this: Firefox > Options > General > When Firefox starts

You should see a drop-down menu with three choices:
* Show my homepage
* Show a blank page
* Show my windows and tabs from last time

This sounds like it may be what happened to you.

I hope this helps.

And I may take you up on the critique offer later.

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Thanks. I will try this out soon as I get a few minutes to tackle it again. And just let me know about the crit.

SergeantC said:

Try this: Firefox > Options > General > When Firefox starts

You should see a drop-down menu with three choices:
* Show my homepage
* Show a blank page
* Show my windows and tabs from last time

This sounds like it may be what happened to you.

I hope this helps.

And I may take you up on the critique offer later.

Click to expand...

I followed these steps and now I have Firefox working like it should. Thanks so much for your help. When you need crit help. Let me know.