i don't know how they're related, but after installing the last batch of
updates and rebooting, i discovered that the ie address box was missing. any
advice?
Try this:
1. Go to the Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs
2. Go to Add/Remove Windows Components
3. Uncheck the Internet Explorer Checkbox and click ok
4. After it goes through it's lil thing, restart the computer.
5. Repeat Step 1-4 but this time checking the IE (instead of unchecking)