Cleaning up the registry.

[Mike346]

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what does it
do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg
32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data referring
to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be in various
locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once were, but have since
been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should they
be deleted?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg
32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and clean MRU
(most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

 

[Rocket J. Squirrel]

MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open Microsoft Word
and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a list of the documents
you most recently opened - even if they no longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what does it
do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg
32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data referring
to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be in various
locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once were, but have since
been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should they
be deleted?

 

[Mike346]

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path specifications.
Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding file name to disappear
from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do so
manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but rather,
one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's MRU-Blaster, to do
the job. (Question: Can it be configured to remove only the inconsistent
entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button (under
Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button (near
bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry key of
its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect path
specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who clicks on
the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and clean MRU
(most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open Microsoft Word
and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a list of the documents
you most recently opened - even if they no longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries don't
cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for privacy). The
respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

 

[austinpctech]

My thoughts! I think you are wasting your time even
worrying about this. Even if you delete these keys they
will quickly get replaced. So what's the benifit other
than mentioned for privacy issues. Also, the more you
mess with the registry without knowing what you are
doing, the more you are prone to screw it up and then
face big problems. What a waste of time.

-----Original Message-----
Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path specifications.
Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding file name to disappear
from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do so
manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but rather,
one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's MRU-Blaster, to do
the job. (Question: Can it be configured to remove only the inconsistent
entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button (under
Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button (near
bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry key of
its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect path
specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who clicks on
the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and clean MRU
(most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open Microsoft Word
and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a list of the documents
you most recently opened - even if they no longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries don't
cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for privacy). The
respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be
in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once
were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should
they be deleted?

.

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Mike346,

1) Harmless, yes.

2) I use MRU-Blaster and don't worry about the rest.
What would inconsistant be??

No sense in screwing around deleting these manually.
That's all you'd ever have time for. Every time you open anything,
MRUs start to fill up. Besides, doing manually you take the chance of
making a mistake. ;-(

MRUBlaster has a database of 30,345 items it checks for.
[?] Provides some help.

If you plan on using MRU-Blaster, there is a learning curve. For example,
if you use OE, Outlook Express 5.0 - Save attachmentment path MRU, can
cause problems.

There is a bug in OE. The path, in the registry, to where attachments are
saved, literally gets eaten by the bug. No joke. You have to add something
for the bug to eat otherwise your path ends up looking like:

Notice the missing p >>
C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Deskto

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EBD80F8A-FFA1-4EB7-A1C2-9EC6BC05F8BC}\Software
\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
Save Attachment Path C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P.
Vogel\Desktop///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Any MRUs only hold so much data, FIFO, I'm guesing.

See Ramesh's site for some MRU info.

Registry MRU Locations
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path
specifications. Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding
file name to disappear from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do
so manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but
rather, one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's
MRU-Blaster, to do the job. (Question: Can it be configured to
remove only the inconsistent entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in
question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as
follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button
(under Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button
(near bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry
key of its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect
path specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who
clicks on the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and
clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open
Microsoft Word and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a
list of the documents you most recently opened - even if they no
longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries
don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for
privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO
basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be
in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once
were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should
they be deleted?

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Hi Wes,

Where did you discover the "///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////" thing? Kelly has a fix which does the same, good technique. I thought of denying write access to that OE key.

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

AumHa VSOP: http://www.aumha.org

Mike346,

1) Harmless, yes.

2) I use MRU-Blaster and don't worry about the rest.
What would inconsistant be??

No sense in screwing around deleting these manually.
That's all you'd ever have time for. Every time you open anything,
MRUs start to fill up. Besides, doing manually you take the chance of
making a mistake. ;-(

MRUBlaster has a database of 30,345 items it checks for.
[?] Provides some help.

If you plan on using MRU-Blaster, there is a learning curve. For example,
if you use OE, Outlook Express 5.0 - Save attachmentment path MRU, can
cause problems.

There is a bug in OE. The path, in the registry, to where attachments are
saved, literally gets eaten by the bug. No joke. You have to add something
for the bug to eat otherwise your path ends up looking like:

Notice the missing p >>
C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Deskto

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EBD80F8A-FFA1-4EB7-A1C2-9EC6BC05F8BC}\Software
\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
Save Attachment Path C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P.
Vogel\Desktop///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Any MRUs only hold so much data, FIFO, I'm guesing.

See Ramesh's site for some MRU info.

Registry MRU Locations
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path
specifications. Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding
file name to disappear from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do
so manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but
rather, one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's
MRU-Blaster, to do the job. (Question: Can it be configured to
remove only the inconsistent entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in
question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as
follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button
(under Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button
(near bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry
key of its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect
path specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who
clicks on the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and
clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open
Microsoft Word and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a
list of the documents you most recently opened - even if they no
longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries
don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for
privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO
basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be
in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once
were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should
they be deleted?

 

[Mike346]

Thanks, austinpctech. Your thoughts are well taken, and I agree ...
especially in light of this last point:

5) The appearance of "inconsistent" registry entries of this kind is a
NORMAL part of the performance of the XP operating system.

(Indeed, it looks to me that any time a file is moved or deleted, XP will
NOT attempt to "update" any of the associated MRUs.) [<-- is that really
true?!]

--------------------

My thoughts! I think you are wasting your time even
worrying about this. Even if you delete these keys they
will quickly get replaced. So what's the benifit other
than mentioned for privacy issues. Also, the more you
mess with the registry without knowing what you are
doing, the more you are prone to screw it up and then
face big problems. What a waste of time.

-----Original Message-----
Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path specifications.
Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding file name to disappear
from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do so
manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but rather,
one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's MRU-Blaster, to do
the job. (Question: Can it be configured to remove only the inconsistent
entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button (under
Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button (near
bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry key of
its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect path
specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who clicks on
the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and clean MRU
(most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open Microsoft Word
and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a list of the documents
you most recently opened - even if they no longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries don't
cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for privacy). The
respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be
in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once
were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should
they be deleted?

.

 

[Mike346]

Thank you, Wesley.

In response to what I had written,

you asked,

What would inconsistant be??

In this context, "inconsistent" means: the registry-key data reference is to
a nonexistent file pathway.

For example, say that the key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\exe#(c)

has for its data

C:\Program Files\ppviewer.exe

but there is NO "ppviewer.exe" in "C:\Program Files".


P.S. I did a tentative download to see what MRU-Blaster is like. It does
not appear to be of use to me for what I was considering doing with it (...
which I, in the end, am not planning on doing anyways).

My concern was not about "privacy" issues, but rather, "registry integrity".

-------------------------

Mike346,

1) Harmless, yes.

2) I use MRU-Blaster and don't worry about the rest.
What would inconsistant be??

No sense in screwing around deleting these manually.
That's all you'd ever have time for. Every time you open anything,
MRUs start to fill up. Besides, doing manually you take the chance of
making a mistake. ;-(

MRUBlaster has a database of 30,345 items it checks for.
[?] Provides some help.

If you plan on using MRU-Blaster, there is a learning curve. For example,
if you use OE, Outlook Express 5.0 - Save attachmentment path MRU, can
cause problems.

There is a bug in OE. The path, in the registry, to where attachments are
saved, literally gets eaten by the bug. No joke. You have to add something
for the bug to eat otherwise your path ends up looking like:

Notice the missing p >>
C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Deskto

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EBD80F8A-FFA1-4EB7-A1C2-9EC6BC05F8BC}\Software
\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
Save Attachment Path C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P.
Vogel\Desktop///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Any MRUs only hold so much data, FIFO, I'm guesing.

See Ramesh's site for some MRU info.

Registry MRU Locations
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path
specifications. Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding
file name to disappear from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do
so manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but
rather, one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's
MRU-Blaster, to do the job. (Question: Can it be configured to
remove only the inconsistent entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in
question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as
follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button
(under Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button
(near bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry
key of its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect
path specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who
clicks on the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and
clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open
Microsoft Word and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a
list of the documents you most recently opened - even if they no
longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of the
imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries
don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for
privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO
basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to be
in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they once
were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ... Should
they be deleted?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Hi Ramesh,

I don't remember exactly. I think I saw a post. It's been a while.
This bug has been around a while. Just like the ~ file. ;-)

If one uses the feature, the /// keep disappearing and need to be replaced.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Wes,

Where did you discover the
"///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////"
thing? Kelly has a fix which does the same, good technique. I thought
of denying write access to that OE key.

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

AumHa VSOP: http://www.aumha.org

Mike346,

1) Harmless, yes.

2) I use MRU-Blaster and don't worry about the rest.
What would inconsistant be??

No sense in screwing around deleting these manually.
That's all you'd ever have time for. Every time you open anything,
MRUs start to fill up. Besides, doing manually you take the chance of
making a mistake. ;-(

MRUBlaster has a database of 30,345 items it checks for.
[?] Provides some help.

If you plan on using MRU-Blaster, there is a learning curve. For
example,
if you use OE, Outlook Express 5.0 - Save attachmentment path MRU,
can
cause problems.

There is a bug in OE. The path, in the registry, to where
attachments are
saved, literally gets eaten by the bug. No joke. You have to add
something
for the bug to eat otherwise your path ends up looking like:

Notice the missing p >>
C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Deskto

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EBD80F8A-FFA1-4EB7-A1C2-9EC6BC05F8BC}\Software
\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
Save Attachment Path C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P.
Vogel\Desktop///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Any MRUs only hold so much data, FIFO, I'm guesing.

See Ramesh's site for some MRU info.

Registry MRU Locations
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path
specifications. Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding
file name to disappear from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do
so manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but
rather, one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's
MRU-Blaster, to do the job. (Question: Can it be configured to
remove only the inconsistent entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in
question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as
follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button
(under Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button
(near bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry
key of its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect
path specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who
clicks on the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and
clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open
Microsoft Word and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a
list of the documents you most recently opened - even if they no
longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of
the imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries
don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for
privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO
basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to
be in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they
once were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ...
Should they be deleted?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Mike346,

If you have uninstalled any software, there will be all kinds of references
left in the registry. Most are harmless. Your registry is full of these
things.\

If the reference(s) are in MRU keys they are absolutely harmless.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Thank you, Wesley.

In response to what I had written,

you asked,

What would inconsistant be??

In this context, "inconsistent" means: the registry-key data
reference is to a nonexistent file pathway.

For example, say that the key

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\exe#(c)

has for its data

C:\Program Files\ppviewer.exe

but there is NO "ppviewer.exe" in "C:\Program Files".


P.S. I did a tentative download to see what MRU-Blaster is like. It
does not appear to be of use to me for what I was considering doing
with it (... which I, in the end, am not planning on doing anyways).

My concern was not about "privacy" issues, but rather, "registry
integrity".

-------------------------

Mike346,

1) Harmless, yes.

2) I use MRU-Blaster and don't worry about the rest.
What would inconsistant be??

No sense in screwing around deleting these manually.
That's all you'd ever have time for. Every time you open anything,
MRUs start to fill up. Besides, doing manually you take the chance
of making a mistake. ;-(

MRUBlaster has a database of 30,345 items it checks for.
[?] Provides some help.

If you plan on using MRU-Blaster, there is a learning curve. For
example, if you use OE, Outlook Express 5.0 - Save attachmentment
path MRU, can cause problems.

There is a bug in OE. The path, in the registry, to where
attachments are saved, literally gets eaten by the bug. No joke.
You have to add something for the bug to eat otherwise your path
ends up looking like:

Notice the missing p >>
C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Deskto

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EBD80F8A-FFA1-4EB7-A1C2-9EC6BC05F8BC}\Software

\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
Save Attachment Path C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P.

Vogel\Desktop///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Any MRUs only hold so much data, FIFO, I'm guesing.

See Ramesh's site for some MRU info.

Registry MRU Locations
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path
specifications. Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding
file name to disappear from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not
do so manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with
"regedit"), but rather, one can employ an MRU-removing utility,
like Javacool's MRU-Blaster, to do the job. (Question: Can it be
configured to remove only the inconsistent entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in
question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as
follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button
(under Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button
(near bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry
key of its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect
path specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who
clicks on the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and
clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open
Microsoft Word and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is
a list of the documents you most recently opened - even if they no
longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of
the imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries
don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for
privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO
basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In
What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean,
what does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to
be in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they
once were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ...
Should they be deleted?

 

[Ramesh [MVP]]

Thanks Wes.

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

AumHa VSOP: http://www.aumha.org

Hi Ramesh,

I don't remember exactly. I think I saw a post. It's been a while.
This bug has been around a while. Just like the ~ file. ;-)

If one uses the feature, the /// keep disappearing and need to be replaced.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Hi Wes,

Where did you discover the
"///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////"
thing? Kelly has a fix which does the same, good technique. I thought
of denying write access to that OE key.

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

AumHa VSOP: http://www.aumha.org

Mike346,

1) Harmless, yes.

2) I use MRU-Blaster and don't worry about the rest.
What would inconsistant be??

No sense in screwing around deleting these manually.
That's all you'd ever have time for. Every time you open anything,
MRUs start to fill up. Besides, doing manually you take the chance of
making a mistake. ;-(

MRUBlaster has a database of 30,345 items it checks for.
[?] Provides some help.

If you plan on using MRU-Blaster, there is a learning curve. For
example,
if you use OE, Outlook Express 5.0 - Save attachmentment path MRU,
can
cause problems.

There is a bug in OE. The path, in the registry, to where
attachments are
saved, literally gets eaten by the bug. No joke. You have to add
something
for the bug to eat otherwise your path ends up looking like:

Notice the missing p >>
C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Deskto

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Identities\{EBD80F8A-FFA1-4EB7-A1C2-9EC6BC05F8BC}\Software
\Microsoft\Outlook Express\5.0
Save Attachment Path C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P.
Vogel\Desktop///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Any MRUs only hold so much data, FIFO, I'm guesing.

See Ramesh's site for some MRU info.

Registry MRU Locations
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In

Taking your answers into collective consideration, I conclude:

1) It is harmless to delete such registry entries, even when the
associated data refer to existing files with correct path
specifications. Such a deletion will only cause the corresponding
file name to disappear from an associated list or menu of MRU's.

2) Upon deciding to delete such registry entries, one need not do
so manually in a direct, one-by-one fashion (say with "regedit"), but
rather, one can employ an MRU-removing utility, like Javacool's
MRU-Blaster, to do the job. (Question: Can it be configured to
remove only the inconsistent entries?)

3) Alternatively, regarding the particular registry key in
question,

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ... ,

this key itself can be cleared of all of its entries by clicking as
follows:

Start > [right-click above it for] Properties > Customize [button
(under Start Menu tab option)] > Advanced tab > Clear List [button
(near bottom-right of menu)].

(Question: Does doing this clear more than just the above registry
key of its entries?)

4) On the other hand ... such registry entries - even when the
associated data refer to nonexistent files, or files with incorrect
path specifications - are of no harm to my computer (however, the
nonexistent/incorrect entries may become annoying to the user who
clicks on the associated MRU link).

Are any of the above statements false?


Thanks,
Mike346

------------------------------------


HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

MRU = MostRecentlyUsed

MRU-Blaster
Protect your privacy - find and remove over 30,000 MRU lists!
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html

[[MRU-Blaster is a program made to do one large task - detect and
clean MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer.]]

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

------------------------------------


MRU stands for "most recently used." To see an example, open
Microsoft Word and take a look at the File menu. Near the bottom is a
list of the documents you most recently opened - even if they no
longer exist.

Those registry keys aren't harming your computer by any stretch of
the imagination, so you should leave them alone.

Rocky

------------------------------------


The registry key represents the 'Most Recent Used' files list in the
Open/Save as dialog box. This can be cleared by emptying the Recent
Documents (from Start Menu & Taskbar properties page). These entries
don't cause any harm, but most users wish to clear the list (for
privacy). The respective applications normally clear the list (FIFO
basis, normally).

More information on Registry MRU Locations:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/RegistryMRU.htm

--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k

The Parasite Fight - Quick Fix Protocol:
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

In

What can be said about the following registry key? ... I mean, what
does it do?

HKEY_CURRENT_USER,/Software\Microsoft\Windows
\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\OpenSaveMRU\ ...

My computer's registry has about a hundred such entries with data
referring to files which no longer exist. These files are said to
be in various locations like "C:\ ... \My Documents", where they
once were, but have since been moved or deleted.

Can registry entries of the above kind be safely deleted? ...
Should they be deleted?