| Data privacy is becoming a big issue | | | | \CurrentVersion\Policies\Comdlg32". If this |
| nowadays. Especially with shared computers, | | | | entry is not found, meaning that it does not |
| it becomes important to have some way of | | | | yet exist, create it by clicking to the |
| keeping private data secure and inaccessible. | | | | Policies key. Then go to the Edit menu, |
| Because of this, many operating systems | | | | select New (then select Key), type in |
| already offer built-in security measures that | | | | "comdlg32" and press Enter. Once the |
| can create separate password protected | | | | "Comdlg32" key is created, go to the Edit |
| accounts for different users, or even simply | | | | menu and select New again. This time, select |
| password protect specific files or folders. | | | | DWORD Value. In the entry box that pops up, |
| Most internet browsers also offer the option | | | | type in "nofilemru" and click OK or press |
| of clearing private data accumulated from | | | | Enter. Finally, go to the Edit menu again, |
| browsing sessions, such as website history, | | | | select Modify, type in 1, and press Enter. |
| cookies, and so on. However, there is | | | | Then the registry editing is finished, and no |
| another, less obvious way of sneaking a peek | | | | more new MRU entries are going to be created. |
| at private information: MRU or most recently | | | | For those entries that have already been |
| used lists. These lists are implemented by | | | | created and are already on the MRU list, it |
| many programs, and keep track of which items | | | | is necessary to download MRU deletion |
| have been most recently accessed on the | | | | utilities. There are several options |
| computer. While this was intended to simply | | | | available on the internet for download, of |
| be a convenient feature to grant easy access | | | | varying sizes and feature packages. Some of |
| to recently used items, they also represent a | | | | these utilities would also be able to detect |
| moderate vulnerability. That is, these MRU | | | | and delete browsing histories, browser |
| lists, if left filled, enable other users to | | | | caches, and cookies, along with MRU items. |
| possible look at the details of what one has | | | | Others are smaller and to the point, deleting |
| been working on, what documents have been | | | | only MRU entries for specific programs. |
| accessed recently, and so on. For those who | | | | Depending on one's particular need, one |
| do not use these MRU lists and would like to | | | | should select the proper MRU deletion |
| disable them, the first step is to stop the | | | | software. The use of these programs is |
| creation of new entries on these lists. In | | | | typically described either in an online help |
| Windows XP, this can be done by editing the | | | | file or within the program itself, while it |
| registry. (A note of caution: editing the | | | | is running. Use of these MRU deletion |
| registry incorrectly may cause serious | | | | programs, after disabling the MRU list in the |
| problems for the operating system. Be sure to | | | | registry, will ensure that no information |
| double check each step of the process, and be | | | | would be available to others through MRU |
| extra careful whenever working with the | | | | items. |
| registry.) Click Start, then Run, and type | | | | |
| "regedit". After clicking OK, the Registry | | | | If you are interested in delete MRU, check |
| Editor will open. Look for the entry | | | | this web-site to learn more about delete |
| "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows | | | | recent files. |