Prevent Windows from displaying drop list of previous files saved

[Cheryl_27]

I would've thought the web would be full of tips on this. Apparently not.

In Vista, when you "Save As" in apps & if click the drop list by File name box, it shows a long list of previous files & paths.

Maybe I don't want someone (cough) to see everything (assuming others have access to the same account - at times).

Either limit the # of entries shown (assume they'd fall off the list as new ones added); or don't keep them at all - maybe a bit extreme / not as useful.

Cleaners like CCleaner will delete this list, but maybe it'd also be nice to limit the list.

Only thing I came across in searching, was incomplete instructions about adding a registry entry.

http://www.winvistatips.com/threads/stop-vista-remembering-previous-file-names-image-attached.807469/#post-2996918

I have no problem following detailed instructions for reg changes (from reputable sources). Don't know if there's an easier way to limit the list or eliminate entries on a time basis, etc.

[+Zlip792 MVC]

Do you tried Delete or Shift Delete button on entries?

[Max Norris]

Open up the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc if it's not pinned), go to User Configuration->Administrative Templates->Start Menu and Taskbar. Enable the policy called "Do Not Keep History of Recently Opened Documents." Done.

[Cheryl_27]

Thanks. OK - I'll try both, but "recently opened / used documents" isn't the same as "recently saved." Or is it? Except there's no "gpedit.msc" located in C:\ in Vista hm prem. There's a gpedit.dll - that's as close as it gets. Not sure, but AFAIK this drop list doesn't contain names of files that were recently opened - only recently saved. Could be wrong.

 

Do you tried Delete or Shift Delete button on entries?

 

I'm not talking about deleting them from the box to enter the filename (to save).

I mean delete the long list of previous file names in drop-list.  Windows rarely, if ever lets one delete items like that from pop up lists.

[Max Norris]

I'll try both, but "recently opened / used documents" isn't the same as "recently saved." Or is it?

It's just "recent".

 

Except there's no "gpedit.msc" located in C:\ in Vista hm prem.

Ohhhhh Home Premium, yea you'll have to do it the more hands-on way via the registry. Be very careful with the registry editor, you can potentially clobber your system if you mess around in the wrong area. Navigate to "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer", create a new DWord called "NoRecentDocsHistory" and set it to 1. You may or may not have to make the Explorer key manually.. it's been ages since I touched Vista, although this key will work, it's been there since WinMe and 2K. Use HKLM instead of HKCU if you want it system wide.

That one you originally linked would use the same instructions as above, different location, different key name, create the DWord named "NoFileMru" and set it to 1. Never personally used that one myself so *shrug* if it works.