Yes, I read them. Each post, but nothing seemed to address the problem.

I found the problem and the solution, and it was the same as the poster before me... which was NOT posted when I posted.

The Text/HTML module must be explicitly upgraded the the 4.5 version. I had simply assumed this happened automatically upon the dotnetnuke reinstall. There was no documentation which led me to this solution... I just stumbled upon when I noticed the new version was available in module definitions page.

I assume from the leupold's comment that this should have been an obvious solution upon reading this thread. I do not see where in this thread... or in any thread in any forum dotnetnuke or otherwise... the solution I stumbled upon is posted. Perhaps the solution was implicit, but so that others do not have to search I will be explicit so that search engines can find it:

If the new inline editor toolbar promised in DNN version 4.5 does not show up after installation, upgrade your Text/HTML module to version 4.5 or later.

I concur.  I have that same issue.  I tried the 24-hour demo a week a go and I saw what it is supposed to do and it's not doing that now up my upgraded site www.ouramen.org.  When I hover I don't  get the bar.  I anywhere click on the html/text box and it goes "red" with no simple edit bar.  I don't see an update for the HTML/Text Module.  Thoughts?