How to Clear the Recent Items List History in Vista

information   Information
This will show you how to clear the recently opened files and programs list in the normal and classic Start menu.
Note   Note
The Recent Items folder is located at:
NOTE: You will need to have Show hidden files and folders checked in Folder Options.

C:\Users\(User Name)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent Items

You can also open this location by typing shell:recent and in the white line (Start Search) area of the Start Menu and pressing Enter.
warning   Warning
When you open the Recent Items folder location above and you have a yellow folder named Recent instead of the default Recent Items folder with a icon, then right click on the Recent folder and click Delete. Type shell:recent in the white line (Start Search) area of the Start Menu and press Enter. Logoff and logon, or restart the computer, to rebuild the folder back to the default Recent Items.

EXAMPLE: Start Menu and Favorite Links
recent_items.jpgName: Favorite_Links.jpg Views: 19959 Size: 6.2 KB





METHOD ONE
From in the Normal Start Menu




Option One
Clear the Recent Files List

Note   Note


1. Open the Start menu.

2. Right click on the Recent Items button. (See screenshot below)

3. Click Clear Recent Items List.
NOTE: If this is missing, then do the WARNING at the top of this tutorial.
clear.jpg
OR

4. Right click on the Start menu button and click on Properties.

5. Click on the Customize button to the right of the Start menu ticker.
NOTE: See screenshot in OPTION TWO below step 4.

6. Uncheck Store and display a list of recently opened files and click on Apply.
NOTE: See screenshot in OPTION TWO below step 4.

7. Check Store and display a list of recently opened files and click on Apply.



Option Two
Clear the Recent Programs List

NOTE: You will need to have the Recent Programs list turned on first.
1. Right click on the Start menu button and click on Properties.

2. Click on the Customize button to the right of the Start menu ticker. (See screenshot below)

3. Uncheck Store and display a list of recently opened programs and click on Apply.

4. Check Store and display a list of recently opened programs and click on Apply.
properties.jpg
OR

5. Right click on the recent program you want removed. (See example above)

6. Click on Remove from this list. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: This will remove them one at a time.
right_click.jpg






METHOD TWO
For in the Classic Start Menu

NOTE: This will clear both the recent files and programs list.
1. Right click on the Start button and click on Properties. (See screenshot below)
Name: Classic_Properties.jpg Views: 19950 Size: 9.8 KB
2. Click on Customize. (See screenshot below)
classic_customize.jpg
3. Click on the Clear button. (See screenshot below)

4. Click on OK.
classic_clear_recents.jpg
That's it,
Shawn