The Case of the Disappearing MRU File List

Summary: If the MRU list has disappeared, follow this tip to reactivate the list in Word. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 6, Word 95, Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

The Most Recently Used (MRU) file list in Word is very handy for quickly selecting and opening files you previously worked on. If you start Word and notice that the MRU list is gone, you can check to see if the option is still turned on. You do this by choosing Tools | Options | General, and then making sure that the Recently Used Files List option is selected.

Some people may notice that the Recently Used Files List option is not even available on their systems, however. If it is greyed out on your system, it is probably because you have the Tweak UI tool installed. Certain settings in this tool can override the MRU setting in Word, as described here:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q284896

To correct the situation, follow these steps:

Start Tweak UI.
Make sure the Internet Explorer (IE) tab is selected.
Make sure the Add New Documents to Documents on Start Menu check box is selected.
Close Tweak UI.
Restart Word.

You should now be able to access the Recently Used Files List option in the Word.

Tip #1724 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 6 | 95 | 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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