Clearing Recently Viewed Documents List

Windows XP monitors all of the files that you open on your computer so it can construct the recently opened document list. This is designed to allow you to easily open up files that you have been working on. All types of documents are listed in this list. Every time you open up a Word document or a digital image, an entry is created within the list. Although this feature exists, I never find myself using it and the only value that it adds to my computer is a privacy concern.

Clearing the recently opened document list every once in a while is a good idea, so your documents are kept confidential and your privacy high. Clearing the list is very easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Right-click on Start button and select Properties.

2. Then click on Customize button next to the Start Menu radio button.

3. Once the Customize Start Menu window appears, click the Advanced tab.

4. Under the Recent Documents section, click the Clear List button.

5. Once you have cleared the list, click the OK button to close the Customize Start Menu window.
6. Then, click OK once more to close Taskbar and Start Menu Properties.