WINDOWS 8 -- Working on a Word document, I switched to "Read Mode", didn't like it, back to "Print Layout". But since then the toolbars disappear every time I click on the actual text. The toolbars reappear when I click on the top of the screen, but I want them fixed / pinned. I seem to remember that when I set everything up, there was a little icon for pinning. But that is no longer.



Help? It's driving me mad, always having to click back and forth in order to access the toolbar!

double-click on a ribbon tab

They are hidden, probably because at some time you double clicked. This is a sticky setting. When you set it, it stays that way until you toggle it back.

Hi Charles, I tried the double-click because I'd seen it in another thread. However, it doesn't do the trick... when I go back into the text, the ribbon disappears again.

Double-click = two clicks in close succession. What you are reporting is what happens with a single click or two clicks not in close succession.

Otherwise, right click on a tab like the HOME tab and then un-check "Collapse the Ribbon."

Attached Images

00 deleteme 0.png (11.5 KB, 16 views)

Thanks again but that option - 'collapse the ribbon' - does not show up at all in the window after I right-click. (I would include a screenshot but I can't take one because ... the moment I click anywhere, anything to do with the ribbon disappears...)

I've looked at everything in 'customize the ribbon' but couldn't find anything there either...

I've also tried Alt + n (since the n is underlined in your screenshot for 'collapse the ribbon') but nothing changes.

Let me get this straight... (Please respond to each question)
You can see the ribbon tabs (titles) but not the contents?
You are in Print Layout view, not Reading or Draft views?
When you click on a ribbon tab, the full ribbon is displayed?
You are using Word 2013?
What happens if you start Word in safe mode?

Hi Charles,

My replies to your questions, to the best of my ability ;^):

- ribbon tabs etc - I'll post photos (!) as screenshots are not possible...

- yes I am in Print Layout - the whole thing started when I went into Reading View just to try it, when I switched back to Print Layout, my ribbons had disappeared

- Word 2013, Windows 8

- I'm afraid I don't know how to start in safe mode...

Photo "screenshots" to follow.

Photo 1 = I open a new document

Photo 2 = Left click top of screen, ribbon appears

Photo 3 = I go back into the document, the ribbon disappears

(more to come)

Attached Images

	01_open new document.jpg (94.4 KB, 12 views)
	02_click on ribbon.jpg (94.9 KB, 12 views)
	03_back into document ribbon gone.jpg (92.5 KB, 12 views)

Photo 3 = right click while in document, mini ribbon opens (and works)

Photo 4 = right click on ribbon while ribbon is "open"

Hope this makes sense...? Thanks for your input!

OK. I have never seen a screen like the ones you are showing with the Ruler displayed and no Ribbon. I note that the one with the Ribbon has no Ruler. I don't see your second round of photos.

You can enter Safe mode by Ctrl-Double-Clicking on a document icon and answering "Yes."

Another way, is to go to the search screen in the Windows Start screen and type "winword.exe /safe" then Enter (no quotation marks typed).

When I start Word 2013 in safe mode, I also have to create a new document using Ctrl+N.

Note, starting in safe mode is not a way to use Word, it is a diagnostic.

photos 4 and 5 again... or rather, properly attached ... ;°)

Starting in safe mode & creating a new doc = everything is how it should be.

Now what...?

Argh!!! Herewith photos - I hope!!

Attached Images

	04_right click while in document.jpg (115.8 KB, 11 views)
	05_right click on ribbon.jpg (128.8 KB, 11 views)

Some notes on photos 4 & 5.
5 - vertical Ruler but no horizontal Ruler displayed - I see no "Collapse the Ribbon" displayed. I do not know how to display a vertical Ruler without the horizontal Ruler. I can display the horizontal Ruler without the vertical one.
4 - no Rulers displayed. Were they turned off? Might be outside picture, I suppose.


Starting in safe mode becomes an important test.
See also Add-Ins in Microsoft Word