The Importance of Clearing Windows Recent Files

Windows recent files can be found as you click on the Start Menu and selectively click the recent document section. In this section folder, you may find the list of recently opened files. You may find the folder to be convenient whenever you find the need to edit or re-evaluate the documents that you have recently opened without having to extensively browse the files in the My Documents folders or other folders of software programs. But there are security risks entailed when keeping your list of recent files.

It is possible that someone you know would ask for your permission to use your computer. Even if you find the person to be cordial, there is always that tendency that he or she would invade your privacy. If you have certain files that you keep secretly on your computer, there is always a chance that somebody will find these files. If you are uncomfortable having someone other than you exploring these files and folders on your computer, then it may be time for you to take certain actions. After all, there is something in jeopardy when someone browses through these files, and this is your privacy.

Just how can you get rid of Windows recent files list?

First off, you may have to know how to clear the list of contents in the recent document folder. To do this, just right-click the task bar where the Start Menu is situated. Choose Properties and click on it. Click Customize and subsequently the Advanced tab. Click Clear List under the Recent documents and then click OK. This action can temporarily clear the contents on the Recent Documents folder. It is not a guarantee though that the contents are completely off from the hard disk.

If you want to disable the function of My Recent Documents folder, you may have to run the Windows Registry application. Windows Registry is a repository of data and information in the computer operating system, such as software and hardware settings, installed programs, and user configurations. To open the Windows Registry editor, click the Start Menu and locate the Run folder or Start Search box. Encode “regedit” and click OK. Afterwards, you are directed to the registry editor folder, which may require you to make new DWORD value and changing the binary value. This process can be appropriately done if you have the right procedure to follow. You may have to do some further research on this to accomplish the task of disabling the function of My Recent Document folder more appropriately. This task should de done carefully, as it is for advanced users. You might experience system crash when you erroneously undertake the operation.

As for deleting the recent files on the web browser, clear your history and temporary files, as well as your cookies. To accomplish this, go to the Internet Options, if you use Internet Explorer, or Options for Firefox users under the Tools menu. You can delete traces of your web visits by deleting the files in the history folder and cookies in the Privacy section. Web browsers can have different setting features, so it is important to explore and read before attempting to click buttons.

You can opt to maintain the Windows recent files in the My Recent Documents folder if you regularly use and open the files. But before you leave your desktop or laptop, it may be helpful, for your privacy’s sake, to delete the contents of My Recent Documents Folder and the web browsers.