Toolbar or Color Palette Not Visible in Paint

Last reviewed: November 21, 1996
Article ID: Q159804
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you are using Paint, the toolbar or color palette may not be visible even though you have chosen the corresponding command on the View menu. Removing and reinstalling Paint does not correct the problem.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when you move the toolbar or color palette so that it appears in a separate window, and then either of the following events occurs:

  • You move the toolbar or color palette so that it is hidden behind the Windows 95 taskbar.
  • You move the toolbar or color palette to the bottom or right edge of the screen and then configure Windows 95 to use a lower resolution. When you do so, the toolbar or color palette may be located on an area of the desktop that is not visible.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, use one of the following methods:

  • Move the taskbar to a different location. If the toolbar or color palette is then visible, move the toolbar or color palette to a different location and then move the taskbar back to its original location.
  • Configure Windows 95 to use the highest resolution supported by your display adapter and monitor. To configure Windows 95 to use a higher resolution, double-click Display in Control Panel, click the Settings tab, and then move the Desktop Area slider to the right.

    If the toolbar or color palette is then visible, move the toolbar or color palette to a different location and then configure Windows 95 to use the original resolution. To prevent the behavior from happening again when you return to the original resolution, move the toolbar or color palette to the upper left corner of the screen or move it so that it does not appear in a separate window. After you return to the original resolution, you can move the toolbar or color palette to the location you want.

  • WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

    NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

    If the toolbar is not visible when you are using Paint, delete the Floating value under the following registry key:

          Hkey_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\
          Paint\General-Bar3
    

    If the color palette is not visible when you are using Paint, delete the Floating value under the following registry key:

          Hkey_Current_User\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\
          Paint\General-Bar4
    

    Deleting the appropriate registry value causes the toolbar or color palette to appear in the Paint window instead of appearing as a separate window. You can then move the toolbar or color palette to the location you want.


KBCategory: kbtool kbdisplay kbenv
KBSubcategory: win95
Additional reference words: 95 mspaint.exe


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Last reviewed: November 21, 1996
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