Oftentimes when I launch Safari (5.0.3), some of the extension buttons are blank. Why does this happen, and is there a way I can fix this problem?

The letter writer attached this screenshot of his blank Safari extension buttons. Curious.

We haven’t been unlucky enough to experience this problem ourselves, but here are some things you can try. You probably have a bad extension or two that don’t like each other. So first try uninstalling some (or disabling them) in Safari > Preferences > Extensions, then add them back in as you need them. They’re so easy to add that it’s natural to overload yourself with extensions that you don’t wind up using.

You can also try moving them around on the toolbar by right-clicking it and selecting Customize Toolbar. That screen labels all the buttons you have available, so it might at least give you an idea of what the blank buttons are.

Try updating your extensions here or clicking their names in the column to find the Disable and Uninstall buttons.

Next, check to see if the extensions need an update by heading to Safari > Preferences > Extensions. The Updates button at the bottom of the list of extensions will show a number—that’s how many extensions have updates. Click it to update the extensions one at a time or check the box to keep them all updated automatically. And if anyone reading this has had this problem and fixed it another way, please let us know!

GOT A TECH QUESTION OR A HELPFUL TIP TO SHARE?

Email ask@maclife.com or write to Mac|Life,

4000 Shoreline Ct, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080