MRU actually pertains to the list of most recent files. Your Recent Documents folders and History folders can keep contents of recently used files for days. Keeping the files on these folders may present certain convenience to users who want to keep track of the files without having to do much exploration. But keeping the files on the folders can pose security risks, particularly if you are unaware of intruders lurking into your computer system. This is why it is a must to clear MRU, to keep your privacy in place.

Is there easy way for you to eliminate MRU on your computer? The answer to this is YES. You can do something about it before someone steals information for his benefit.

The first method is to run your registry editor. But there is a risk when you attempt to modify your registry editor. It is important to know the procedure and to take action very carefully, as certain problems can cause your computer system to crash, thereby requiring you to reinstall the operating system. If you don't want another problem to surface, then it is better to pay careful attention to the procedures. Utilize the registry editor at your own risk. If sceptical or afraid to do the changes because of the precaution, you should consult an expert to do this instead.

One of the reasons why you have to clear the MRU, especially those registered in the web browser, is that the list may ruin your reputation when someone finds some nasty things going on with your computer. As human beings, we are all entitled to privacy, especially if the files kept in the registry system of your computer system involve personal things.

If you find the first suggestion in clearing MRU to be risky, you may have to undertake the simple process by deleting traces in the History folder and Recent Documents. To remove the contents in your Recent Documents folder, right click the task bar where the Start menu is located. Click Properties, and then Customize. On the Customize dialog box, click the Advanced tab. Under Recent Documents, move the mouse pointer to the Clear List button and click and then press enter or click OK.

Clearing the contents of your history folder, including the temporary files folder, is another undertaking that you have to undertake to prevent invasion of your privacy. To accomplish this, make sure to open your web browser first. Delete the traces of your web visits by locating the Privacy box under the Tools and Internet Options or Options section. There are buttons that can guide you on what to do. But it is important to check and read them before you click them.

To delete the MRU of MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, locate the Clear the Recently used files check box on the Tools menu, Options and General tab and click OK. Back on the Tools menu, locate Options and click it and then the General Tab. Select the check box of Recently used files and then click OK or press Enter.

It can be very important to clear MRU list if you value security when using your computer. Security holes can indeed be very destructive. Your reputation, work, and personal information can be in jeopardy in the long run, should you not undertake protective measures for yourself.