Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled. Nothing helps.
The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
just no words.

Dropdown boxes are typically written in Java and you have add-ons turned
off.

---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est

WK wrote:
> Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
> started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled. Nothing helps.
> The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> just no words.

Javascript not Java.


--

Steve Easton
Microsoft MVP FrontPage
FP Cleaner
http://www.95isalive.com/fixes/fpclean.htm
Hit Me FP
http://www.95isalive.com/fixes/HitMeFP.htm

"Leonard Grey" <Leonard@Grey.invalid> wrote in message news:uerWsCJKIHA.4272@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Dropdown boxes are typically written in Java and you have add-ons turned off.
>
> ---
> Leonard Grey
> Errare humanum est
>
> WK wrote:
>> Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've started IE w/o add ons and
>> made sure scripting is enabled. Nothing helps. The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for
>> the drop downs, just no words.

Sorry, I though they were also implemented with Java.

"Long live Front Page!"

---
Leonard Grey
Errare humanum est

Steve Easton wrote:
> Javascript not Java.
>
>

I tried it first with add ons on. Tried it with them off because someone in
a previous post said it might help.

"Leonard Grey" wrote:

> Dropdown boxes are typically written in Java and you have add-ons turned
> off.
>
> ---
> Leonard Grey
> Errare humanum est
>
> WK wrote:
> > Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
> > started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled. Nothing helps.
> > The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> > just no words.
>

Hi,
Probably won't help, but it's too easy to not try... clear the Temporary
Internet Files.

Test your Javascript at http://liblearn.osu.edu/tutor/jscript.html Is
Javascript working?

Turn on the Windows Firewall from Control Panel> Windows Firewall and
disable any third-party firewall, security suite, other security programs.
See if one of these programs is causing the problem. If so, an update may
have changed settings to block scripts, scripting, active content, etc.

Hope this helps,
Don
[MS MVP- IE]

"WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
> Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one.
I've
> started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled. Nothing helps.
> The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> just no words.

"WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
> Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
> started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled.

> Nothing helps.


Such as? The most likely cause is non-standard security settings.
Use Default Level.


> The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> just no words.


That sounds like it could be a coloring problem.
You could try toggling High Contrast mode
(e.g. press LeftAlt+LeftShift+PrintScrn)
or disable coloring by website using the Accessibility dialog
and change coloring using the Colors dialog. Etc.


Post a URL to an example site if you want help working through the details.
You mentioned "this one" but don't specify a portal. So tell us exactly which
menu you are seeing which is blank when browsing this:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0a7&sloc=en-us

E.g. mouse over the Quick Links > button (at the top of the page).
Are you saying that you see only a blank white square there?
Right-click in that area and cancel the resulting menu.
Press Tab. What happens? Report your observations for both the
blank square you are operating on and anything that changes in the Status bar.


BTW always disclose your OS when you're requesting help.
If this is a problem which only occurs for users of your OS
you may be better posting to a newsgroup which specializes in that
or at least cross-posting to it. FWIW I use IE7 on XPsp2.


HTH

Robert Aldwinckle
---

I am using IE7 XPsp2 as you do. On the specific URL you listed I do have a
drop down menu which works for the quick links button you describe. I do not
have a drop down for the space right after the in: with the drop down arrow.
This is the search for category drop down just below the Discussions in
Internet Explorer General title. I have checked and yes my javaspript is
working. I have tried it shutting off all of my spyware, antivirus, and
firewall and still no drop down. Again, the box drops down, just no writing.
I can move down the box with my mouse and highlight areas in the dropdown
box and even click on them. But no writing so I have no idea what I am
clicking on. I have changed letter sizing under tools and it still does not
help. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.


"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
> > Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
> > started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled.
>
> > Nothing helps.
>
>
> Such as? The most likely cause is non-standard security settings.
> Use Default Level.
>
>
> > The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> > just no words.
>
>
> That sounds like it could be a coloring problem.
> You could try toggling High Contrast mode
> (e.g. press LeftAlt+LeftShift+PrintScrn)
> or disable coloring by website using the Accessibility dialog
> and change coloring using the Colors dialog. Etc.
>
>
> Post a URL to an example site if you want help working through the details.
> You mentioned "this one" but don't specify a portal. So tell us exactly which
> menu you are seeing which is blank when browsing this:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0a7&sloc=en-us
>
> E.g. mouse over the Quick Links > button (at the top of the page).
> Are you saying that you see only a blank white square there?
> Right-click in that area and cancel the resulting menu.
> Press Tab. What happens? Report your observations for both the
> blank square you are operating on and anything that changes in the Status bar.
>
>
> BTW always disclose your OS when you're requesting help.
> If this is a problem which only occurs for users of your OS
> you may be better posting to a newsgroup which specializes in that
> or at least cross-posting to it. FWIW I use IE7 on XPsp2.
>
>
> HTH
>
> Robert Aldwinckle
> ---
>
>
>

"WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:EBF05B2E-B7B4-4162-BA69-B74AF4DBE7B1@microsoft.com...
>I am using IE7 XPsp2 as you do. On the specific URL you listed I do have a
> drop down menu which works for the quick links button you describe.

> I do not have a drop down for the space right after the in: with the drop down arrow.


Good. That's a better symptom description to work with.

Let's see what functionality for that element you are left with.
E.g. do you see the current NG name there in reverse video
when you select it and press Enter to close the list?
Then, once keyboard focus is in it can you see other items from it
using your cursor keys? An alternative way to achieve that focus
independent of the mouse would be to start from the Search For: box
(e.g. press Alt-7) and then press Tab.

What about the similar smaller list for the search filters?
E.g. press Alt-i, Enter and tell us what you see.

Or, slightly different, the New button's list. Press Alt-M,Enter.


> This is the search for category drop down just below the Discussions in
> Internet Explorer General title. I have checked and yes my javaspript is
> working. I have tried it shutting off all of my spyware, antivirus, and
> firewall and still no drop down. Again, the box drops down, just no writing.
> I can move down the box with my mouse and highlight areas in the dropdown
> box and even click on them. But no writing so I have no idea what I am
> clicking on. I have changed letter sizing under tools and it still does not
> help. Any help would be much appreciated.


Hmm... View Source shows that that particular element is implemented
essentially using standard HTML, so it should work regardless of scripting.
If the cursor test I suggested isn't showing you any other items my guess
would be that something has removed those items from the HTML source
(for no good reason). Use View Source and Find the tag <select
If you're missing below it the source for the items you're expecting to see
it would explain your symptom. In case that in turn is just a symptom of
a corrupted cached page you could try pressing Ctrl-F5 for a Refresh
or delete from your TIF any HTML files referenced by the current page
(e.g. as seen by the TIF Viewer Alt-T,O,Alt-S,V with View Details and
when sorted by Last Accessed--Alt-V,D Alt-V,I,Last Accessed).

Oops. Bad guess. That page's HTML (default.aspx file) is not cached
so trying to refresh it won't have any useful effect. I'd still be interested
in knowing if the View Source test gives you any new clues. If the source
*is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
(Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)


HTH

Robert
---


> Thanks.
>
>
> "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
>
>> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
>> > Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
>> > started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled.
>>
>> > Nothing helps.
>>
>>
>> Such as? The most likely cause is non-standard security settings.
>> Use Default Level.
>>
>>
>> > The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
>> > just no words.
>>
>>
>> That sounds like it could be a coloring problem.
>> You could try toggling High Contrast mode
>> (e.g. press LeftAlt+LeftShift+PrintScrn)
>> or disable coloring by website using the Accessibility dialog
>> and change coloring using the Colors dialog. Etc.
>>
>>
>> Post a URL to an example site if you want help working through the details.
>> You mentioned "this one" but don't specify a portal. So tell us exactly which
>> menu you are seeing which is blank when browsing this:
>>
>> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0a7&sloc=en-us
>>
>> E.g. mouse over the Quick Links > button (at the top of the page).
>> Are you saying that you see only a blank white square there?
>> Right-click in that area and cancel the resulting menu.
>> Press Tab. What happens? Report your observations for both the
>> blank square you are operating on and anything that changes in the Status bar.
>>
>>
>> BTW always disclose your OS when you're requesting help.
>> If this is a problem which only occurs for users of your OS
>> you may be better posting to a newsgroup which specializes in that
>> or at least cross-posting to it. FWIW I use IE7 on XPsp2.
>>
>>
>> HTH
>>
>> Robert Aldwinckle
>> ---
>>
>>
>>

I've tried what you've suggested and here are the results:

Let's see what functionality for that element you are left with.
> E.g. do you see the current NG name there in reverse video
> when you select it and press Enter to close the list?
> Then, once keyboard focus is in it can you see other items from it
> using your cursor keys? An alternative way to achieve that focus
> independent of the mouse would be to start from the Search For: box
> (e.g. press Alt-7) and then press Tab.

This allows me to highlight the box after "in:" in a dark blue. There is no
words or lettering. If I hit enter it will select the space that is
highlighted.
Pressing Alt -I will highlight the "show:" drop box which is completely
functional
Pressing Alt-M will highlight the "New" drop box which is completely
functional.

Oops. Bad guess. That page's HTML (default.aspx file) is not cached
> so trying to refresh it won't have any useful effect. I'd still be interested
> in knowing if the View Source test gives you any new clues. If the source
> *is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
> forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
> checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
> (Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)

The Auto-Select was not checked and it was on Unicode(UTF-8). I checked
Auto-Select and it picked Western European (windows). I then picked Unicode
with the Auto-select still checked and nothing changed.

I did "View Source" <select and to be honest I do not know what I am looking
at. This is a partial copy of what was after that:

<select name TABINDEX="2" ID="cboDiscussionGroup" CLASS="WNInput">
<option
value="en_us_26259D8A-9EE2-4596-C2A3-93D20A867953::en:us::::"></option>
<option
value="en_us_bd1d151a-fd45-4009-9fa2-8a476486c40b::en:us::::">microsoft.public.access</option>
<option
value="en_us_52403085-2542-403a-a352-f2a7c2960971::en:us::::">microsoft.public.active</option>
<option
value="en_us_3675b030-ca7f-4753-9206-1948100e4b02::en:us::::">microsoft.public.activex</option>

Still looking for help. BTW, drop down boxes do not work on other sites
either such as EBAy. Thanks again.



"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:EBF05B2E-B7B4-4162-BA69-B74AF4DBE7B1@microsoft.com...
> >I am using IE7 XPsp2 as you do. On the specific URL you listed I do have a
> > drop down menu which works for the quick links button you describe.
>
> > I do not have a drop down for the space right after the in: with the drop down arrow.
>
>
> Good. That's a better symptom description to work with.
>
> Let's see what functionality for that element you are left with.
> E.g. do you see the current NG name there in reverse video
> when you select it and press Enter to close the list?
> Then, once keyboard focus is in it can you see other items from it
> using your cursor keys? An alternative way to achieve that focus
> independent of the mouse would be to start from the Search For: box
> (e.g. press Alt-7) and then press Tab.
>
> What about the similar smaller list for the search filters?
> E.g. press Alt-i, Enter and tell us what you see.
>
> Or, slightly different, the New button's list. Press Alt-M,Enter.
>
>
> > This is the search for category drop down just below the Discussions in
> > Internet Explorer General title. I have checked and yes my javaspript is
> > working. I have tried it shutting off all of my spyware, antivirus, and
> > firewall and still no drop down. Again, the box drops down, just no writing.
> > I can move down the box with my mouse and highlight areas in the dropdown
> > box and even click on them. But no writing so I have no idea what I am
> > clicking on. I have changed letter sizing under tools and it still does not
> > help. Any help would be much appreciated.
>
>
> Hmm... View Source shows that that particular element is implemented
> essentially using standard HTML, so it should work regardless of scripting.
> If the cursor test I suggested isn't showing you any other items my guess
> would be that something has removed those items from the HTML source
> (for no good reason). Use View Source and Find the tag <select
> If you're missing below it the source for the items you're expecting to see
> it would explain your symptom. In case that in turn is just a symptom of
> a corrupted cached page you could try pressing Ctrl-F5 for a Refresh
> or delete from your TIF any HTML files referenced by the current page
> (e.g. as seen by the TIF Viewer Alt-T,O,Alt-S,V with View Details and
> when sorted by Last Accessed--Alt-V,D Alt-V,I,Last Accessed).
>
> Oops. Bad guess. That page's HTML (default.aspx file) is not cached
> so trying to refresh it won't have any useful effect. I'd still be interested
> in knowing if the View Source test gives you any new clues. If the source
> *is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
> forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
> checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
> (Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)
>
>
> HTH
>
> Robert
> ---
>
>
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
> > "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
> >
> >> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
> >> > Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
> >> > started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled.
> >>
> >> > Nothing helps.
> >>
> >>
> >> Such as? The most likely cause is non-standard security settings.
> >> Use Default Level.
> >>
> >>
> >> > The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> >> > just no words.
> >>
> >>
> >> That sounds like it could be a coloring problem.
> >> You could try toggling High Contrast mode
> >> (e.g. press LeftAlt+LeftShift+PrintScrn)
> >> or disable coloring by website using the Accessibility dialog
> >> and change coloring using the Colors dialog. Etc.
> >>
> >>
> >> Post a URL to an example site if you want help working through the details.
> >> You mentioned "this one" but don't specify a portal. So tell us exactly which
> >> menu you are seeing which is blank when browsing this:
> >>
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0a7&sloc=en-us
> >>
> >> E.g. mouse over the Quick Links > button (at the top of the page).
> >> Are you saying that you see only a blank white square there?
> >> Right-click in that area and cancel the resulting menu.
> >> Press Tab. What happens? Report your observations for both the
> >> blank square you are operating on and anything that changes in the Status bar.
> >>
> >>
> >> BTW always disclose your OS when you're requesting help.
> >> If this is a problem which only occurs for users of your OS
> >> you may be better posting to a newsgroup which specializes in that
> >> or at least cross-posting to it. FWIW I use IE7 on XPsp2.
> >>
> >>
> >> HTH
> >>
> >> Robert Aldwinckle
> >> ---
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

"WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:27DD02C7-FC75-454E-A9BD-008DED067E2C@microsoft.com...

>> If the source
>> *is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
>> forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
>> checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
>> (Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)
>

> The Auto-Select was not checked and it was on Unicode(UTF-8).
> I checked Auto-Select and it picked Western European (windows).

I don't understand how that last one could happen.

E.g. Fiddler shows this HTTP header arrives with the response to
the request for the main HTML page:

<Fiddler>
Content-Type: text/html; charset=utf-8
</Fiddler>


> I then picked Unicode with the Auto-select still checked and nothing changed.


You can't do that (supposedly). Checking Auto-select means that you
want IE to decode based on clues provided by the HTTP
and HTML. The HTML can provide both explicit and implicit clues.
Sometimes coders make mistakes and code in a characterset which
is different from what the source specifies but I think that this source
would be recognized as UTF-8 (Unicode) even without that header.


>
> I did "View Source" <select and to be honest I do not know what I am looking
> at. This is a partial copy of what was after that:
>
> <select name TABINDEX="2" ID="cboDiscussionGroup" CLASS="WNInput">
> <option
> value="en_us_26259D8A-9EE2-4596-C2A3-93D20A867953::en:us::::"></option>
> <option
> value="en_us_bd1d151a-fd45-4009-9fa2-8a476486c40b::en:us::::">microsoft.public.access</option>
> <option
> value="en_us_52403085-2542-403a-a352-f2a7c2960971::en:us::::">microsoft.public.active</option>
> <option
> value="en_us_3675b030-ca7f-4753-9206-1948100e4b02::en:us::::">microsoft.public.activex</option>


Are you still on the same URL that I suggested we use as a sample or something else?

FYI here is the URL again and the first few values from the <select> tag:

http://www.microsoft.com:80/communit...0a7&sloc=en-us

<extract>
<select name TABINDEX="2" ID="cboDiscussionGroup" CLASS="WNInput">
<option value="ar_EG_a44b0886-d712-4d91-939f-3939b23d55ba::ar:EG::::">Arabic</option>
<option value="bg_BG_476360ab-628f-4e3b-902a-4a8a19be81ab::bg:BG::::">Bulgarian</option>
<option value="en_US_1168f219-d787-45ce-ac99-9eed7f2170e7::zh:CN::::">Chinese - PRC</option>
</extract>

Further down from that is the context for this newsgroup in the portal I opened:

<extract>
<option value="en_US_d02fc761-3f6b-402c-82f6-ba1a8875c1a7::en:::::">English</option>
<option value="en_US_7f5b08e0-e69c-41cf-a39a-cb8bed96eef9::en:US::::">  MSN and Internet</option>
<option value="en_US_4c96aee7-22c3-433a-8d89-791756bcdf25::en:US::::">    Internet Explorer</option>
<option selected="selected"
value="en_US_36ed591d-fc54-44b3-9105-d11e44fb83c3:microsoft.public.internetexplorer.gen eral:en:US::::">      Internet
Explorer General</option>
</extract>

E.g. the last one is the one which is showing when the page is opened.


Oh. I think you are probably on the List portal.

http://www.microsoft.com/communities...s/default.aspx

There is a blank item at the top of its select list which might account some
some of your observations. Specifically, when I press Alt-7 and Tab
the In: box is selected (dark blue) but blank. When I press CursorDown
I see the same second item that your extract shows (still in reverse video.)

However, that page has the same Content-Type header in its HTTP
and I can't see any reason why that specification might be overridden
to be as Western European (windows), as your browser seems to be doing.


>
> Still looking for help. BTW, drop down boxes do not work on other sites
> either such as EBAy. Thanks again.

Is there a discrepancy with the encoding with it too? ; )

Do you have any programs running, e.g. ad-scrapers, etc. which might
be rewriting the HTML before IE sees it? That would be another reason
for the HTML to be corrupt or the encoding to be wrong.

You could try using Fiddler2 to see if you are getting the same headers
as I do. You could try using the IE Developer Toolbar to validate the
page's source and to inspect the source in a more structured manner
than just using a Notepad browser.

Hmm... IE DT just gave me an idea. When I expand the Select element
and look at the first option I see this:

Property: font-family
Current Value: Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif

So that coud be another reason for not seeing text; missing required fonts.
To eliminate that case you could try using the Accessibility dialog to prevent
the web page from specifying a font. While you're there make sure that
you don't have an overriding CSS file; that would be another possible cause
of your symptom.


HTH

Robert
---


>
>
>
> "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
>
>> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:EBF05B2E-B7B4-4162-BA69-B74AF4DBE7B1@microsoft.com...
>> >I am using IE7 XPsp2 as you do. On the specific URL you listed I do have a
>> > drop down menu which works for the quick links button you describe.
>>
>> > I do not have a drop down for the space right after the in: with the drop down arrow.
>>
>>
>> Good. That's a better symptom description to work with.
>>
>> Let's see what functionality for that element you are left with.
>> E.g. do you see the current NG name there in reverse video
>> when you select it and press Enter to close the list?
>> Then, once keyboard focus is in it can you see other items from it
>> using your cursor keys? An alternative way to achieve that focus
>> independent of the mouse would be to start from the Search For: box
>> (e.g. press Alt-7) and then press Tab.
>>
>> What about the similar smaller list for the search filters?
>> E.g. press Alt-i, Enter and tell us what you see.
>>
>> Or, slightly different, the New button's list. Press Alt-M,Enter.
>>
>>
>> > This is the search for category drop down just below the Discussions in
>> > Internet Explorer General title. I have checked and yes my javaspript is
>> > working. I have tried it shutting off all of my spyware, antivirus, and
>> > firewall and still no drop down. Again, the box drops down, just no writing.
>> > I can move down the box with my mouse and highlight areas in the dropdown
>> > box and even click on them. But no writing so I have no idea what I am
>> > clicking on. I have changed letter sizing under tools and it still does not
>> > help. Any help would be much appreciated.
>>
>>
>> Hmm... View Source shows that that particular element is implemented
>> essentially using standard HTML, so it should work regardless of scripting.
>> If the cursor test I suggested isn't showing you any other items my guess
>> would be that something has removed those items from the HTML source
>> (for no good reason). Use View Source and Find the tag <select
>> If you're missing below it the source for the items you're expecting to see
>> it would explain your symptom. In case that in turn is just a symptom of
>> a corrupted cached page you could try pressing Ctrl-F5 for a Refresh
>> or delete from your TIF any HTML files referenced by the current page
>> (e.g. as seen by the TIF Viewer Alt-T,O,Alt-S,V with View Details and
>> when sorted by Last Accessed--Alt-V,D Alt-V,I,Last Accessed).
>>
>> Oops. Bad guess. That page's HTML (default.aspx file) is not cached
>> so trying to refresh it won't have any useful effect. I'd still be interested
>> in knowing if the View Source test gives you any new clues. If the source
>> *is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
>> forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
>> checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
>> (Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)
>>
>>
>> HTH
>>
>> Robert
>> ---
>>
>>
>> > Thanks.
>> >
>> >
>> > "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
>> >
>> >> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
>> >> > Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
>> >> > started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled.
>> >>
>> >> > Nothing helps.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Such as? The most likely cause is non-standard security settings.
>> >> Use Default Level.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> > The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
>> >> > just no words.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> That sounds like it could be a coloring problem.
>> >> You could try toggling High Contrast mode
>> >> (e.g. press LeftAlt+LeftShift+PrintScrn)
>> >> or disable coloring by website using the Accessibility dialog
>> >> and change coloring using the Colors dialog. Etc.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Post a URL to an example site if you want help working through the details.
>> >> You mentioned "this one" but don't specify a portal. So tell us exactly which
>> >> menu you are seeing which is blank when browsing this:
>> >>
>> >> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0a7&sloc=en-us
>> >>
>> >> E.g. mouse over the Quick Links > button (at the top of the page).
>> >> Are you saying that you see only a blank white square there?
>> >> Right-click in that area and cancel the resulting menu.
>> >> Press Tab. What happens? Report your observations for both the
>> >> blank square you are operating on and anything that changes in the Status bar.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> BTW always disclose your OS when you're requesting help.
>> >> If this is a problem which only occurs for users of your OS
>> >> you may be better posting to a newsgroup which specializes in that
>> >> or at least cross-posting to it. FWIW I use IE7 on XPsp2.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> HTH
>> >>
>> >> Robert Aldwinckle
>> >> ---
>> >>
>> >>
>> >>
>>
>>
>>

I tried the IE DT and found the same results for as you did, same property
and current value. I do not know what Fiddler2 is or how to check CSS or
what Accessability dialog is. I have shut off all of my ad blockers and
various spy and anti virus ware. No apparent difference. The only thing I
can think of that changed between when the drop down worked and not is that I
added a new program "Capture NX" which is a photo editing program like
Photoshop. Capture NX required me to download Microsoft.net Framework. I
lost to ideas.

"Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:

> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:27DD02C7-FC75-454E-A9BD-008DED067E2C@microsoft.com...
>
> >> If the source
> >> *is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
> >> forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
> >> checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
> >> (Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)
> >
>
> > The Auto-Select was not checked and it was on Unicode(UTF-8).
> > I checked Auto-Select and it picked Western European (windows).
>
> I don't understand how that last one could happen.
>
> E.g. Fiddler shows this HTTP header arrives with the response to
> the request for the main HTML page:
>
> <Fiddler>
> Content-Type: text/html; charset=utf-8
> </Fiddler>
>
>
> > I then picked Unicode with the Auto-select still checked and nothing changed.
>
>
> You can't do that (supposedly). Checking Auto-select means that you
> want IE to decode based on clues provided by the HTTP
> and HTML. The HTML can provide both explicit and implicit clues.
> Sometimes coders make mistakes and code in a characterset which
> is different from what the source specifies but I think that this source
> would be recognized as UTF-8 (Unicode) even without that header.
>
>
> >
> > I did "View Source" <select and to be honest I do not know what I am looking
> > at. This is a partial copy of what was after that:
> >
> > <select name TABINDEX="2" ID="cboDiscussionGroup" CLASS="WNInput">
> > <option
> > value="en_us_26259D8A-9EE2-4596-C2A3-93D20A867953::en:us::::"></option>
> > <option
> > value="en_us_bd1d151a-fd45-4009-9fa2-8a476486c40b::en:us::::">microsoft.public.access</option>
> > <option
> > value="en_us_52403085-2542-403a-a352-f2a7c2960971::en:us::::">microsoft.public.active</option>
> > <option
> > value="en_us_3675b030-ca7f-4753-9206-1948100e4b02::en:us::::">microsoft.public.activex</option>
>
>
> Are you still on the same URL that I suggested we use as a sample or something else?
>
> FYI here is the URL again and the first few values from the <select> tag:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com:80/communit...0a7&sloc=en-us
>
> <extract>
> <select name TABINDEX="2" ID="cboDiscussionGroup" CLASS="WNInput">
> <option value="ar_EG_a44b0886-d712-4d91-939f-3939b23d55ba::ar:EG::::">Arabic</option>
> <option value="bg_BG_476360ab-628f-4e3b-902a-4a8a19be81ab::bg:BG::::">Bulgarian</option>
> <option value="en_US_1168f219-d787-45ce-ac99-9eed7f2170e7::zh:CN::::">Chinese - PRC</option>
> </extract>
>
> Further down from that is the context for this newsgroup in the portal I opened:
>
> <extract>
> <option value="en_US_d02fc761-3f6b-402c-82f6-ba1a8875c1a7::en:::::">English</option>
> <option value="en_US_7f5b08e0-e69c-41cf-a39a-cb8bed96eef9::en:US::::"> MSN and Internet</option>
> <option value="en_US_4c96aee7-22c3-433a-8d89-791756bcdf25::en:US::::"> Internet Explorer</option>
> <option selected="selected"
> value="en_US_36ed591d-fc54-44b3-9105-d11e44fb83c3:microsoft.public.internetexplorer.gen eral:en:US::::"> Internet
> Explorer General</option>
> </extract>
>
> E.g. the last one is the one which is showing when the page is opened.
>
>
> Oh. I think you are probably on the List portal.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...s/default.aspx
>
> There is a blank item at the top of its select list which might account some
> some of your observations. Specifically, when I press Alt-7 and Tab
> the In: box is selected (dark blue) but blank. When I press CursorDown
> I see the same second item that your extract shows (still in reverse video.)
>
> However, that page has the same Content-Type header in its HTTP
> and I can't see any reason why that specification might be overridden
> to be as Western European (windows), as your browser seems to be doing.
>
>
> >
> > Still looking for help. BTW, drop down boxes do not work on other sites
> > either such as EBAy. Thanks again.
>
> Is there a discrepancy with the encoding with it too? ; )
>
> Do you have any programs running, e.g. ad-scrapers, etc. which might
> be rewriting the HTML before IE sees it? That would be another reason
> for the HTML to be corrupt or the encoding to be wrong.
>
> You could try using Fiddler2 to see if you are getting the same headers
> as I do. You could try using the IE Developer Toolbar to validate the
> page's source and to inspect the source in a more structured manner
> than just using a Notepad browser.
>
> Hmm... IE DT just gave me an idea. When I expand the Select element
> and look at the first option I see this:
>
> Property: font-family
> Current Value: Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif
>
> So that coud be another reason for not seeing text; missing required fonts.
> To eliminate that case you could try using the Accessibility dialog to prevent
> the web page from specifying a font. While you're there make sure that
> you don't have an overriding CSS file; that would be another possible cause
> of your symptom.
>
>
> HTH
>
> Robert
> ---
>
>
> >
> >
> >
> > "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
> >
> >> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> news:EBF05B2E-B7B4-4162-BA69-B74AF4DBE7B1@microsoft.com...
> >> >I am using IE7 XPsp2 as you do. On the specific URL you listed I do have a
> >> > drop down menu which works for the quick links button you describe.
> >>
> >> > I do not have a drop down for the space right after the in: with the drop down arrow.
> >>
> >>
> >> Good. That's a better symptom description to work with.
> >>
> >> Let's see what functionality for that element you are left with.
> >> E.g. do you see the current NG name there in reverse video
> >> when you select it and press Enter to close the list?
> >> Then, once keyboard focus is in it can you see other items from it
> >> using your cursor keys? An alternative way to achieve that focus
> >> independent of the mouse would be to start from the Search For: box
> >> (e.g. press Alt-7) and then press Tab.
> >>
> >> What about the similar smaller list for the search filters?
> >> E.g. press Alt-i, Enter and tell us what you see.
> >>
> >> Or, slightly different, the New button's list. Press Alt-M,Enter.
> >>
> >>
> >> > This is the search for category drop down just below the Discussions in
> >> > Internet Explorer General title. I have checked and yes my javaspript is
> >> > working. I have tried it shutting off all of my spyware, antivirus, and
> >> > firewall and still no drop down. Again, the box drops down, just no writing.
> >> > I can move down the box with my mouse and highlight areas in the dropdown
> >> > box and even click on them. But no writing so I have no idea what I am
> >> > clicking on. I have changed letter sizing under tools and it still does not
> >> > help. Any help would be much appreciated.
> >>
> >>
> >> Hmm... View Source shows that that particular element is implemented
> >> essentially using standard HTML, so it should work regardless of scripting.
> >> If the cursor test I suggested isn't showing you any other items my guess
> >> would be that something has removed those items from the HTML source
> >> (for no good reason). Use View Source and Find the tag <select
> >> If you're missing below it the source for the items you're expecting to see
> >> it would explain your symptom. In case that in turn is just a symptom of
> >> a corrupted cached page you could try pressing Ctrl-F5 for a Refresh
> >> or delete from your TIF any HTML files referenced by the current page
> >> (e.g. as seen by the TIF Viewer Alt-T,O,Alt-S,V with View Details and
> >> when sorted by Last Accessed--Alt-V,D Alt-V,I,Last Accessed).
> >>
> >> Oops. Bad guess. That page's HTML (default.aspx file) is not cached
> >> so trying to refresh it won't have any useful effect. I'd still be interested
> >> in knowing if the View Source test gives you any new clues. If the source
> >> *is* there another possible cause for your symptom then I think would be
> >> forcing the wrong Encoding setting. E.g. make sure that you have Auto-Select
> >> checked and that that picks Unicode (UTF-8) for that document.
> >> (Hint: you would see that via View, Encoding e.g. by pressing Alt-V,d)
> >>
> >>
> >> HTH
> >>
> >> Robert
> >> ---
> >>
> >>
> >> > Thanks.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > "Robert Aldwinckle" wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> "WK" <WK@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> >> >> news:3862CC9E-95FE-4461-8BE7-CD76AFC530A7@microsoft.com...
> >> >> > Suddenly, I have no drop down menus in any website including this one. I've
> >> >> > started IE w/o add ons and made sure scripting is enabled.
> >> >>
> >> >> > Nothing helps.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Such as? The most likely cause is non-standard security settings.
> >> >> Use Default Level.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> > The drop down menus worked recently. The box opens up for the drop downs,
> >> >> > just no words.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> That sounds like it could be a coloring problem.
> >> >> You could try toggling High Contrast mode
> >> >> (e.g. press LeftAlt+LeftShift+PrintScrn)
> >> >> or disable coloring by website using the Accessibility dialog
> >> >> and change coloring using the Colors dialog. Etc.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> Post a URL to an example site if you want help working through the details.
> >> >> You mentioned "this one" but don't specify a portal. So tell us exactly which
> >> >> menu you are seeing which is blank when browsing this:
> >> >>
> >> >> http://www.microsoft.com/communities...0a7&sloc=en-us
> >> >>
> >> >> E.g. mouse over the Quick Links > button (at the top of the page).
> >> >> Are you saying that you see only a blank white square there?
> >> >> Right-click in that area and cancel the resulting menu.
> >> >> Press Tab. What happens? Report your observations for both the
> >> >> blank square you are operating on and anything that changes in the Status bar.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> BTW always disclose your OS when you're requesting help.
> >> >> If this is a problem which only occurs for users of your OS
> >> >> you may be better posting to a newsgroup which specializes in that
> >> >> or at least cross-posting to it. FWIW I use IE7 on XPsp2.
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >> HTH
> >> >>
> >> >> Robert Aldwinckle
> >> >> ---
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
>
>
>

I've been trying to figure out this problem since IE7 was released and I'm
hoping someone here can help.

If you go to the following web page:

http://www.mnbowling.com/MNB2007/

You'll find a web page with the navagation at the top of the page. If you
view it in IE7 you'll be able to activate the menus but you won't find any
text. Only the background image. If you view the page in IE6, Firefox,
Opera, Netscape and even Safari, the menu works fine. I have yet to find any
workaround for this.