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Windows XP Taskbar - Toolbar - Start Menu

Do Not Show Recently Opened Documents

SUMMARY: Increase your privacy by hiding previously accessed documents from the Windows XP Start Menu.

Depending on your computer's configuration, if you click the "Start" menu, selecting "My Recent Documents" may provide a list of files you have most recently accessed. This way, if you frequently open a particular file, you can find it quickly without having to navigate your computer. However, some may be concerned about privacy, so you can remove this feature.

1. Right-click on an empty area of the taskbar, choosing "Properties".

2. When the "Taskbar and Start Menu Properties" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, select the "Start Menu" tab.

3. Click the "Customize" button.

4. The "Customize Start Menu" multi-tabbed dialog box should appear. Select the "Advanced" tab.

5. Uncheck "List my most recently opened documents".

6. Click the "Clear List" button.

7. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them.