Evenutally, the file name should disappear on its own. The Task Pane
shows a maximum of nine recently used files, so after you open nine more
files they'll replace the current items.
Or, you can edit the Registry (make a backup first!):
1. From the Start button, choose Run
2. Type regedit then click OK
3. Click the + sign to the left of HKEY_CURRENT_USER
4. Open Software, Microsoft, Office, 10.0, Excel\Recent Files
5. Double-click on one of the items, e.g. File1
6. Delete the file name and path in the Value Data box
7. Click OK
8. Close the Registry Editor
9. Open Excel, and the item should no long appear on the Task Pane.
