WD: Deleted File Still Listed on MRU List (105707)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0.1
  • Microsoft Word for Windows NT 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95 7.0a
  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q105707

SYMPTOMS

The name of a deleted file remains in the list at the bottom of the File menu (the "most recently used" or "MRU" list) after the file has been deleted (or made unavailable).

CAUSE

This behavior is by design. Microsoft Word maintains a list of up to nine of the most recently used (MRU) files, at the bottom of the File menu.

Versions of Word earlier than 6.0 display an error message and remove the name of a deleted or unavailable file from this list if you attempt to open the file. Word 6.0 and later keep the name of the file in the list.

Microsoft changed the MRU list behavior because of the increasing use of networks, where a file may not be deleted but simply unavailable.

MORE INFORMATION

Word allows you to completely clear the MRU list. To clear files from the MRU list, follow these steps:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Options. (In Word 98 Macintosh Edition, click Preferences.)
  2. Select the General tab.
  3. Click to clear the Recently Used File List check box.
  4. Click OK.
  5. On the Tools menu, click Options. (In Word 98 Macintosh Edition, click Preferences.)
  6. Select the General tab.
  7. Click to select the Recently Used File List check box.
  8. Click OK.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/16/2005
Keywords:kbprb kbui KB105707
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