OS X Start up : Menu bar missing

Hi Frank,

I've had this issue myself but I couldn't find a solution, though I noticed if I click where the menu bar should be, it appears.

Go to your Finder "Go" menu hold the option key to choose "Library"

Then go to Preferences folder and find and delete com.apple.systemuiserver.plist.

Then log out and back in or restart. Your menu bar should return to default.

Hey FrankFR,

This happens just restart the Mac and you should be fine.

-Kotaks

Wacky stuff like this is usually caused by errant third party software.

To help isolate this possibility:

What is in your Login Items folder?

Does this behavior persist for a different user, e.g., Guest?

Does this behavior persist whenStarting up in Safe Mode?

-charlie

Thanks - Worked for me

First, move you mouse to the top of the screen, then the menu bar should appear temporarily. Then look at the top right of the menu bar, the should be a pair of diagnal arrows that are highlighted, usually in blue. Click it, problem solved.

Thank you FrostRCK. Worked like a dream for me.

Thanks Frost. Can't believe I didn't notice the blue-highlighted arrows before I read your post!

Thanks, MacJack, that worked for me immediately! Didn't even have to restart. ➕

I have found another cause. My menu bar suddenly went missing a few weeks ago and after spending ages searching and failing to get it back I did a complete reformat and reinstall of Lion. (There were various other things wrong as well). Thinking this would solve the problem I was gutted when following the clean install, it was still missing! Actually it was there but it was like it was too far up 'past the top' of the screen to see it, like it was zoomed in. (I did Screen Sharing on my MBP and it was visible from there so I knew it was there, just out of sight). Anyway, I tried various different display settings in System Preferences/Displays. None worked. Then I noticed there is a check box, saying Overscan. I've no idea what that means, but I unchecked it and BINGO! I have my menu bar back!! For the record, it's a Mac Mini which I put through an HDTV as the monitor.

Hi I have the same problem. I can not find the Overscan check box. Can you please tell me how to get to it. I have a Mac Mini and I just installed the OSX.

Thank you.

Cris.