Vista - Windows Start Menu -- unused "recently used" programs

I was hoping that my message search had paid off with an earlier thread, but
my problem is different from the one discussed.

There is a cluster of programs that intrude into the "recently used" pane on
the start menu even though I haven't opened them ever or in a long time.
This feature is convenient, and I would like to keep it, but things like a
Gateway Welcome Center (or is it Microsoft's?), DVD Maker and several others
keep horning in, driving the icons I'd really like to see below the window.
Removing the items works only until a reboot, it appears.

Any suggestions for tweaking but not disabling this feature?

Frequently Used Programs list is reset to defaults during every logon in
Windows Vista:
http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/163/1/

--
Jane, not plain 64 bit enabled :-)
Batteries not included. Braincell on vacation ;-)
MVP Windows Shell/User

"hogyu" <moneyko@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:u8FUE2gsHHA.3428@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>I was hoping that my message search had paid off with an earlier thread,
>but my problem is different from the one discussed.
>
> There is a cluster of programs that intrude into the "recently used" pane
> on the start menu even though I haven't opened them ever or in a long
> time. This feature is convenient, and I would like to keep it, but things
> like a Gateway Welcome Center (or is it Microsoft's?), DVD Maker and
> several others keep horning in, driving the icons I'd really like to see
> below the window. Removing the items works only until a reboot, it
> appears.
>
> Any suggestions for tweaking but not disabling this feature?