How to clear Windows Search History 2

[2p]

Hello,
I have a Windows 98se computer with 300 MHz cpu.
I clicked on Start, Find, Computer and in the "Find Computer" Box or next to NAMED, I typed couple of words that I want to delete.
How do I erase these words from the Search History without using any Software programs? It is possible to delete these entries without utilizing a third party software?
Thank you

 

[ITschoolGuy]

The Windows registry uses a series of values called MRU (which stands for Most Recently Used). The MRU values keep a list of items that you type when using the "Find" and "Run" commands off your Start menu.

If you're comfortable editing the registry, you can search for the MRU values and delete them. However, you should exercise extreme care as improper registry changes can really foul up your system.

Chris

 

[2p]

Thank you Chris,
I will read more about this issue before deleting the MRU off the Registry.
Ed

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

There is another way if you're not comfortable within the registry. START>SETTINGS>TASKBAR & START MENU>START MENU PROGRAMS>CLEAR>OK.

Regards
Phil

 

[2p]

Hi Phil,
I just tried Start>Settings>Taskbar & Start Menu>Start Menu Programs>Clear>Ok.
The so far this procedure does not work because after I did this I went to check: Start>Find>Computer, here the FIND:COMPUTER box opens, and I clicked on the arrow and scrolled it down and I still see the entries I typed couple days ago.
Phil, what step did I miss?
Thank you,
Ed



in the "Find Computer" Box or next to NAMED
How do I erase these words from the Search History

 

[carrr]

I've found this to work. A little pain in the rear at first, but effective:

Start >> ShutDown >> Restart In MS-DOS Mode >> OK.

Once you get a command prompt, type the following commands. Press ENTER after each command.
(Choose "Y" if you are prompted on any of these)

cd\windows
smartdrv
deltree cookies
deltree history
deltree tempor~1
exit

The necessary folders will be rebuilt on start up...just totally empty.
Post back if this isnit what you're looking for...

 

[2p]

I am sorry Carrr, I followed these steps: Start >> ShutDown >> Restart In MS-DOS Mode >> OK.
However, this procedure did not work because at the c:\windows>(This is where my dos command begins)I typed cd\windows, and the command c:\windows reappeared so at c:\windows I typed smartdrv nothing happened. I continued and typed deltree cookies and it asked me if I wanted to delete and consequently, I clicked "Yes" and also "Yes" for the remaining questions and then I exited.
Try to do several searches and typed several words in : Start>Find>Computer, > FIND:COMPUTER box opens. Follow the suggestive steps and then go back and click the arrow to scroll down and see if the entries are still there.
Maybe I missed something in these steps?
Please let me know and thank you!
Ed

 

[carrr]

Ooops...if I would take the time to read....yes, read...I would have known that my little routine wouldn't take care of your "Find Computer" dilemma. This, however, should:

Go to Start, Run, type in regedit
Browse to the following entry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FindComputerMRU

Delete all values other than default.
Let me know how this works for you...

 

[2p]

Carrr,
I typed regedit and clicked OK. Six folders with a plus sign next to the folders appeared. The first folder says HKEYS_CLASSES_ROOT, I selected the second folder, HKEY_CURRENT_USERS and I clicked on the plus sign next to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER and eight subfolders appeared, and then I clicked on the folder InstallLocationMRU, the closest to your description,(This folder is the only one that does not have a plus sign next it) but I do not see anything that matches this: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FindComputerMRU. I looked in all the remaining main folders and subfolders and I still do not see a clue, or anything that matches FindComputerMRU?
Where do I find this command?? and if it is found, Do I delete the whole string of words or just the word FindComputerMRU?
Thank you again for your prompt response,
ED

 

[carrr]

Ok, let's back up. Each of the slashes in the registry key I gave you represent a "level." As you work down each level, you'll be opening another folder.

So... After typing in regedit, doubleclick HKEY_CURRENT_USER. Look down the tree that just appeared. Find an doubleclick Software. Look down the tree that just appeared. Find and doubleclick Microsoft....etc, etc, etc. Following my key perfectly, you'll find yourself at FindComputerMRU.

NOTE: All of this so far is going on in the left hand panel. Once you doubleclick FindComputerMRU, you'll be working in the right hand panel.

ALSO...
if I'm being presumptuous, forgive me....but....from your last response, I get the feeling that you're not used to working in the Registry. If you make missteps here, you can butcher your OS. Please...backup your registry as a precaution, or, consult with someone with registry editing experience, if at all unsure. Ok...that being said, good luck!

 

[2p]

Thank you Carr! Ok, I have made a registry backup.
On the right hand panel I see the two words that I want to erradicate from the FindComputer. Do I just delete these two words? I mean do I place the arrow from my mouse under the title NAME, where the word is displayed and then I go to edit and select delete?
Thank you very much,
Ed

 

[Crustyoldbloke]

Yes Edgar, just delete them (MRU= Most Recently Used) they will be rebuilt on next boot.

Regards
Phil

 

[carrr]

Thanks Phil {thumbsup2]...

...just got home and decided to check on today's thread (addict that I am)

2p,
You can either double-click each entry and delete the valeu from the window that comes up, or do just as Phil suggested and highlight/delete it on the spot.

 

[2p]

I just got back from work 11:00P.M., Thank you Phil and thank you Carr. I just tried and deleted those two words and I worked!!
I am very proud of you guys,
Ciao,
Ed