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How can I get the early, lean, mean FireFox layout - the new one wastes so much space with a huge AND EMPTY header - I need all the screen I can get ?

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I'm a startup options trader. I need all the screen space I can get. I have a 17.3" laptop screen and the latest update of FireFox wastes too much landscape with a huge, empty header. I also like to see my Windows toolbar (I need to switch between several apps regularly) - it is now covered. I can't get to my sound icons to change an options webinars base sound level. Why doesn't FireFox just upgrade the security stuff and stop "fixing what ain't broke?

I have a 2 yr old HP Pavillion Laptop w/ Win 8.1

I'm a startup options trader. I need all the screen space I can get. I have a 17.3" laptop screen and the latest update of FireFox wastes too much landscape with a huge, empty header. I also like to see my Windows toolbar (I need to switch between several apps regularly) - it is now covered. I can't get to my sound icons to change an options webinars base sound level. Why doesn't FireFox just upgrade the security stuff and stop "fixing what ain't broke? I have a 2 yr old HP Pavillion Laptop w/ Win 8.1

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Hi Doug, how is Maui today?

I have a 17.3" laptop screen and the latest update of FireFox wastes too much landscape with a huge, empty header.

By default, Firefox displays a tab bar and a main toolbar. If the window is maximized, the tabs usually slide up in to the title bar eliminating that extra empty space. However, if you turn on the "Title bar" in the Customize screen, then that doesn't happen.

Does that correspond at all to what you're seeing? If not, could you post a screen shot of the header area that's blank? This article has tips on capturing screenshots: How do I create a screenshot of my problem? Please cut out or blur any sensitive information before attaching the image to your reply.

I also like to see my Windows toolbar (I need to switch between several apps regularly) - it is now covered. I can't get to my sound icons to change an options webinars base sound level.

Is Firefox in its Full Screen view? The F11 key switches between normal and full screen views. If Firefox blocks the Windows Taskbar even in normal view, I suggest removing a possibly corrupted settings file as follows:

Open your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

In the first table on the page, click the "Show Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.

Leaving that window open, switch back to Firefox and Exit, either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) File > Exit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then rename xulstore.json to something like xulstore.old. If you see a file named localstore.rdf, rename that one to localstore.old.

Start Firefox back up again. Do windows display normally again?

To turn missing bars back on, you can use one of these methods to show the toolbar list and select the desired bars there:

To turn on the Menu Bar, Bookmarks Toolbar, or other bars, click it on the list.