Pretty sure I eliminated the extensions as being a factor, but removing the prefs.js file fixes the problem of the everything in the browser disappearing and leaving only the viewing window and the tabs.
Unfortunately my client did a lot of custom stuff (without making a copy of the profile folder recently) that is recorded in that file, so my question is:
Has anyone had this problem before of losing all the menus, address bar, buttons, etc. (basically looks like F11 was pressed, but the tabs remain and mousing over near the top does not bring anything back) and do you know what line items in pref.js I can edit or remove to get the browser window back to normal yet retain all the custom settings?
Hit ALT and your menu should show up. Then right-click the menu bar and check off location bar and address bar.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
It Worked, thanks John!!!