I am using Microsoft Project 2003 at my workplace. My version is supposed to be the same as my boss’s version but I do not have the top line menu items (File Edit View Insert Format Tools Table Window Help). Why is this so?
While both computers may have the same software version, it’s not uncommon for different users to have made different adjustments to the interface. This is true of any software offering any level of customization.
Disappearing Menu Bar
The File | Edit | View | Insert | Format | Tools | Table | Window | Help display that you are referring to is called the “menu bar.” When the menu bar disappears, it’s extremely difficult to work unless you know all of the keyboard shortcuts for your favorite commands. Fortunately, restoring the menu bar is relatively easy.
Full Screen Mode
The first thing to check is to see whether you are running Project in full screen mode or not. Full screen mode automatically removes the toolbars and menu bar so that more of your document is visible on the screen. To switch to regular mode, press Alt + V and then press U.
Checking the Toolbar Settings
First, if you have any toolbar showing in the upper screen at all, right-click a blank area of one of the toolbars. Does a submenu come up? Does it have a line that says “menu bar?” If so, click the menu bar line to enable its reappearance. This works in many programs including Internet Explorer. This technique is useful whenever you suspect that a toolbar is missing from any number of software products.
Using the View Menu Command to Restore the Menu Bar
Press the Alt + V keys which will open up the View Menu command. Now, press T to display the Toolbar menu.
Resetting Menu Bar
Another option is to try resetting your toolbars to the default setting. To do this, press Alt + T + C. This opens the Customize Toolbars command. Here you can select the menu bar and choose “reset.” This should replace your missing menus.
