[RESOLVED] “My Recent Documents” option in Windows XP.

[eranga262154]

Hi guys,

On of the articles I read that “My Recent Documents” option in WinXP is not enabled by default. But when I’m setup WinXP on my PC that option is there as default. Which one is correct? That article is correct or my CD going screwy on my system.

[rory]

It is on by default as far as I know, at least with SP2

This article is old.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307875

Every XP PC ive been to so far have recent docs on start menu,
when they are using the XP Start Menu.

See these registry items.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

NoRecentDocsHistory = dont save recent docs
NoRecentDocsMenu = no recent docs on start menu

[litlewiki]

What difference does it make if it exists or if it doesn't?

[RobDog888]

I always turn off that feature as I never use recent documents. Plus I used to have to clear them out every so often to help keep my drive clean as just one extra maintenance step. Usually most programs you use in Windows will have their own recent files so whats the point of having everything in windows like opened folders etc.

[eranga262154]

It
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

NoRecentDocsHistory = dont save recent docs
NoRecentDocsMenu = no recent docs on start menu

Specially thanks for this.

[eranga262154]

What difference does it make if it exists or if it doesn't?

Actually there is no much different. Just I'm worried about it for the knowledge.

[eranga262154]

I always turn off that feature as I never use recent documents. Plus I used to have to clear them out every so often to help keep my drive clean as just one extra maintenance step. Usually most programs you use in Windows will have their own recent files so whats the point of having everything in windows like opened folders etc.

As you said I never used this option. I think it is too boring I feel. And also if any other person used my system, there is some holes in security I think. What is your comment.

Thanks

[kregg]

I don't think there will be holes in security, I think you mean there will be privacy concerns, as someone can see what you have opened and used etc.

I think (and this is my own opinion) that the whole "My Recent Documents" feature is such a useless feature. If there is one thing that Microsoft should do is create a "Remove Recent Documents feature" button to eradicate all of the shortcuts and registry entries etc.

Hey this is giving me a idea for a vb program... I GOT IT PATENTED

[eranga262154]

But most of the people likes to used "My Recent Documents" than searching the system.

[RobDog888]

Hey this is giving me a idea for a vb program... I GOT IT PATENTED

In Windows XP:
Start button > right click on the menu > properties > start menu tab > customize > advanced tab > clear list button

Looks like Bill patened it years ago!

[freeze_sr]

I always turn off that feature as I never use recent documents. Plus I used to have to clear them out every so often to help keep my drive clean as just one extra maintenance step. Usually most programs you use in Windows will have their own recent files so whats the point of having everything in windows like opened folders etc.

I don't know if you know this but I just found this out:

Even if you disable the "my recent documents" and don't see it in the start menu, the documents are recorded. Because later when i enabled it, new lists are there eventhough i cleared them before disabling it.

i now use this feature to monitor what people access in my computer, since they don't see "my recent documents" in the start menu, they dont clear the list.

[RobDog888]

lol, I always wondered why the "Clear List" button would be enabled even though I had is not listing. But then again it makes complete sense.

[rory]

see post #2

[eranga262154]

lol, I always wondered why the "Clear List" button would be enabled even though I had is not listing. But then again it makes complete sense.

But I'm confucing,

As on your psot #4, no need to used "My Recent Documents" option, because all the programs keep track of there recent documents.

My question is that on my inbuilt programs of WinXP, like movi maker, don't have keep those records. I don't know wheather this is normal or a system bug.

[RobDog888]

As I posted, most programs do use some kind of recently used tracking but not all will or do.

[rory]

Using the registry settings I posted above, I have no recent doc history on my PC at all .. but like Yoda said .. some programs still keep a list of recent docs for their own purpose, either in the registry, or in the user's folder.

[kregg]

In Windows XP:
Start button > right click on the menu > properties > start menu tab > customize > advanced tab > clear list button

Looks like Bill patened it years ago!

Has he patented it in BASIC? :rofl:



Jokes aside, here is a way to clear your history on most programs.

[eranga262154]

As I posted, most programs do use some kind of recently used tracking but not all will or do.

Thanks

[eranga262154]

either in the registry, or in the user's folder.

I feel this as follows. If I'm logging as an administrator those are in the registry. If I'm logging through a guest it is on user's folder.