Oct 4, 2018 - 1) Start the SPSS License Authorization Wizard: For Mac, you can navigate to it from Finder as follows: Applications -> IBM -> SPSS -> Statistics.

Having trouble with your toolbars in IBM SPSS Statistics? You are not alone. One of the most common issues that our customers experience with IBM SPSS Statistics 23 is that toolbars are missing in their software. For reference, this is how the toolbar should appear in your software when you open up a data set:

However, in many cases the software appears without a toolbar as in this example below. If this is what you see, don’t worry – we can help!

As I mentioned earlier, this a common problem that Studica’s IBM SPSS customers run into. After doing some research online, it appears to be the most common issue with the software in general. Fortunately, there are several possible ways to fix this problem, which I am going to outline for you.

Fixing a Missing Toolbar in IBM SPSS Statistics

#1 -Make Sure the Software is Activated

Making sure the product is activated is the most common solution to this issue. Many users skip the process of activating the software. If the software is not activated, the toolbars will not show up.

Instructions: How to Activate your IBM SPSS Software:

• On a Mac, click the Search icon at the top right of the computer and type IBM SPSS Authorization. You should see the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 License Authorization Wizard start up as an application. Click on this to open it.
• On Windows, go to Start →type “IBM SPSS Authorization” and click on the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 License Authorization Wizard that shows up.
• Once the Authorization Wizard is open, click Next. You will be asked for a product key.
• If you do not have your product key and purchased your software at Studica, you can find it in your account at www.studica.com. Click “Login” at the top right of the page and login with your credentials. Once you’re signed in, click the “My Account” option at the top right of the page and choose “My Downloads”. On the “My Downloads” page, you will see your Statistics product listed. There will be a column for your product key. Copy this key and paste it into the authorization wizard where it asks for the key and then click Next.
• Proceed through the wizard until it’s finished. Once that’s done, the product is activated and you should be good to go.

NOTE: If you received a CD/DVD copy of the product, your activation code will be listed somewhere on your packaging.

#2 – Install Fix Pack 3

If you have successfully activated the product, confirmed that your software is properly licensed but still have missing toolbars, it could be related to an issue with the software which has been addressed in Fix Pack 3. In this situation, you will want to download SPSS Statistics 23 Fix Pack 3. You can download the Fix Pack from the links below:

Windows 32-bit
Windows 64-bit
Mac
Linux

Once the file is downloaded, install it and restart your computer. Hopefully, this will fix the missing toolbars.

#3 – Double Check Your Version of Statistics

In some cases, you may have toolbars showing up, but you might be missing some specific functions. For instance, you have the “Analyze” toolbar, but you don’t have any “Regression” options. This is most likely due to limitations associated with your license.

IBM provides a list of feature codes, that tells you which feature codes are associated with specific functionality. Each version of Statistics offers base functionality, but in order to unlock some more advanced functionality, you need Statistics Standard or Statistics Premium.

Here’s a table that compares each version and the features they contain:

Basically, if you’re missing something like Regression from your toolbars, chances are you don’t have the Premium version of the product. The only way to fix that issue would be to purchase the IBM SPSS Statistics Premium version.

And, lastly, if you purchased IBM SPSS from Studica and continue to have issues with your software, feel free to contact us at ibm-support@studica.com and we’ll do our best to resolve your issue.

Purchasing an IBM SPSS Student License

Purchasing IBM SPSS predictive analytics software will help you improve outcomes, solve problems and make smarter decisions. You’ll be happy to know these products are offered to students at discounted, education pricing. Students can purchase IBM SPSS products with student discounts at Studica.com.

Blogger: Mark Philipp, Application Engineer at Studica