Last Updated on April 20, 2020

Probably Windows 98 users remember that in the Start menu there was a possibility to see your recently open documents (as far as I remember, the list displayed the last 15 documents you opened). In Windows XP, this option is gone. Sometimes I found it useful, because I never remember the names I give to files, or the place I save them.
Windows XP has this information in memory, but it does not display it by default anymore. Here’s how to get access to the recent documents list:

  1. Open Windows Explorer (if you don’t know how, use the shortcut keys combination “Window” + “E”)
  2. Click on Local Disc (C:)
  3. Select Documents and Settings
  4. Select your user
  5. Click on Tools on the menu bar, then select Folder Options
  6. In the new window, select View
  7. In this new list, look for the option “show hidden files and folders” and check it, then press OK
  8. In your current folder, now you’ll see a new option called My Recent Documents. Double click on it, and you’ll see your recent documents list.
  9. If you want to find it easier, you can assign a shortcut for it on your Desktop (Right click on My Recent Documents, choose Send to, choose Desktop (create shortcut).

 

That’s all. Enjoy!