Expert: Amy - 6/1/2006

Question
Illustrator CS, PC.

I just purchased the product, and find that the control palette is not visible. How do I make it visable?

Answer
Hi Dave,

You should be able to make the Control Palette appear/disappear by using the functions found in the Window menu on top.  For example, to show tools go to Window > Show Tools. There should be an item in there called Control Palette.

If this isn't working, there are a few possiblities. One is that the window you're trying to Show is appearing off screen.  When this happens, Quit AI, locate and delete the AIprefs file, and restart Illustrator. Windows will now appear within the boundaries of the screen when you show them. I know the Control Palette is supposed to be able to move from top to bottom... maybe other places?

Another possibility is that you don't have enough system resources to display all menu items/palettes. In this case, you can remove some TrueType fonts if you think you may have too many loaded in your fonts folder. Careful not to remove any installed by Windows.

Another possibility is a botched/incomplete install. Last resort, do a reinstall in Safe Mode if possible.  If you don't want to do it in Safe Mode, at least turn your anti-viral software off temporarily.

Another thing you might want to try is to re-target the plug-ins folder. This is done by going to Edit > Preferences > Plug-Ins & Scratch Disks and clicking on the button labeled "Choose" next to Plug-Ins folder.  Even if it seems like it's pointed to the right directory, you could re-target it.

Let me know if this helps,
Amy Pace