C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\deltree /y C:\Windows\recent\*.* in a batch file works in WinMe to delete only recent documents. How should that be written for WinXP ? I KNOW that the object of the deleting action must change to C:\Documents and Settings\username\Recent\*.* from C:\Windows\recent\*.* and that C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\deltree /y must be replaced by something like C:\WINDOWS\system32\CMD del but I don't know how to fit them together into a batch file, for putting into C:\Documents and Settings\username\Start Menu\ Basty

In Windows XP DelTree command is replaced by RD /S /Q Folder_Name but it does not allow wildcards. Type RD /? to get the on-line quick help. You doesn't need to code the command's full path as C:\Windows\system32 (as C:\Windows\command in ME) is set up in the system Path variable. Maybe to replace the original DelTree command requires some NT batch statements that are more powerful than classic DOS commands.

Deltree isn't present in xp both the del and rd commands have /s switches for subdirectory recursion instead. rd /? del /? Don't forget to add quotes to path names that contain either a space or ampersand. Also you shouldn't need to specify cmd.exe because it is in a path directory. Edit: Beaten by IVO....

Just to comment. I do not see where commands in ME would relate to XP, or even should be like ME commands. In the Command Prompt, ever do del /?, to see how command is written. ??? And I do not see where CMD is needed for a batch. All this gives me the idea to do ---- Windows key + R then type C:\Documents and Settings\username\Recent then OK, then CTRL + A then DEL then ENTER then ALT + F4 Then all is done. The normal method also removes the RUN command drop-Down list. The normal method is ---- Right click Start, then Properties, then Customize... button, then Advanced tab, then click "clear list" button at the bottom.

Chuck2 I specifically wanted a line that would auto-execute - and I thought a batch file in Start Menu was the way to do that. I AM aware that the 'normal' method also deletes the historical entries in RUN - that is the very reason for wanting a command that deletes ONLY recent(ly viewed) 'documents'. I only mentioned WinME because of my success there with this approach. IVO and Judago Thank you for the invaluable theory, but could either of you pls actually write the line that is equivalent to the 'example' I gave, and if a switch is inserted, please tell me what it achieves. Basty