I work with sensitive financial data. To help ensure a degree of security, I shred the files when I'm done with them with AxCrypt. This has worked well so far - except with files which are automatically copied to My Recent Documents. Files in MRD cannot be shredded, or even deleted in the standard way. I've moved the files out of MRD and tried shredding them in another location. No joy. In fact, the PC will lock up for moment if I try. The files can be deleted in Safe Mode, but not shredded since the AxCrypt is not in the context menu. Is there a registry setting or some other tweak to securely delete the files in MRD? Thanks :)

PS I've never put a check in list my most recent documents in Properties/Start Menu/ Customize/Advanced. Clicking the Clear List button deletes the files in the standard way - but of course they're not shredded or overwritten.

Hello, I believe that the files listed in your MRD in essence are only shortcuts to the origional. So, If you have removed the origional I don't believe shreding files in MRD is necessary. As a test create a doc, shred it then try to access it from MRD. I believe you will find that the doc can't be found. You can also clear the list after you shred. However I am no security expert and could be wrong. Mark Spencer MyComputerTec

use regedit to change the settings. User Key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer] System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ Explorer] Value Name: NoRecentDocsHistory Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value) Value Data: (0 = disable restriction, 1 = enable restriction) Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

if you don't use the My Recent Documents feature at all, you ccan remove it from your start menu altogether. to do so, set this value to 1 NoRecentDocsMenu Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

mattie, that fix is good only for xp in the original gui..if they are using clasic viewing it will need to be a different fix...I just can't find it in my records In The Matters Of Style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, Stand Like A Rock "People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid."

First of all, sincere thanks to everyone who responded. I thought I was the only one awake at this ungodly hour. :) MyComputerTec, you're right. After some checking, I found that what's in MRD are only shortcuts. Mattie, thanks for the registry edits. They worked like a champ. After making the changes and rebooting, presto: nothing in MRD! Not even shortcuts. Lurkswithin, I am using the original GUI, but I appreciate you taking the time to post.