Open a write window. When you look at the View menu is Contact Sidebar checked? If it is checked but not displaying it might have been pushed off the left side of the screen. Maximize the Thunderbird window if not already. Move your mouse to the left side of the window and watch for it to change to a doubleheaded arrow. Left click, hold and drag to the right to uncover the contact sidebar.

NobieG said

I used to be able to get the contacts into the sidebar by pressing F9 or view and put contacts in sidebar. I don't know how they got off that mail page.

I don't see any bars when I click View. I have tried all you advised. Nothing works. I can't send emails unless I can see the contacts on the sidebar.

Nothing works that you mentioned.

No idea what "bars" you are talking about.

Make sure you do all of the above in a Write window.

Airmail said

No idea what "bars" you are talking about. Make sure you do all of the above in a Write window.

I am talking about the tool bars! The one I need seems to be missing, I don't even have the "back" arrow. I need the address list in the sidebar, now!

Did you ever try just typing an address in? You might be surprised at what happens.

In the window where you want a toolbar, hold down the <alt> key, tap V, select Toolbars, tick the checkboxes.

I tried that several times. Didn't work. I am about to give up on Mozilla thunderbird.

You have tried what? It would help if you would provide details of what you do or don't see. Now you c!aim that your toolbars are missing. Zenos told you how to reveal hidden toolbars with the alt key. Did you try that? Did it work? Maybe if you help us help you we can solve you issue.

NobieG said

I tried that several times. Didn't work. I am about to give up on Mozilla thunderbird. I tried everything anybody from Mozilla said to try. Nothing works. Once a blank sidebar appeared but had no names or addresses. It is going to be a long weekend without my computer email.

http://chrisramsden.vfast.co.uk/13_Menus_in_Thunderbird.html

I need the address list in the sidebar, now!

Seriously. Getting a little demanding are we. Good luck with that.

Are you using a Mac?

Or how about posting a screenshot of your Write window?

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-create-screenshot-my-problem

The screen shot would not work. I think Western Windows 1252 has taken over my computer. I did some driver updates the other day and I think 1252 snuck in with the updates. Western Windows 1252 shows up at the top of the write page, and I am supposed to have Windows 7. My pc is an HP Pavilion. Thank you.