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Question
0
Votes
why is my WinXP Run - Open drop-down list always empty?
For some weird reason, and I have probably caused this, all of a sudden my Open drop-down list in Run is always empty after restarting my pc, even after I have run something like msconfig. I do have cCleaner, but I don't run it at startup and I don't have it checked on the Windows tab under Windows Explorer in the Run (in Start Menu)
Tags:
windows xp
Updated - 30th Jul 2010
Answers (3)
0
Votes
It will be based on...
What you last typed in.
It starts blank, until you start typing something in, then it populates the space based on what was last entered.
Does that help you any?
It starts blank, until you start typing something in, then it populates the space based on what was last entered.
Does that help you any?
31st Jul 2010
Replies
It pops open a big empty box always. I do see some things if I start typing something in. But shouldn't it save a list in the Open drop down box?
JADavis9
6th Aug 2010
I understand what you're saying and meaning with that, but for some reason the 'Run' box doesn't work that way. It hasn't changed any in a while either. It is a curious feature, and frustrating at times as well.
As long as you figured out how to get what you need out of it, that's the main thing. -d
As long as you figured out how to get what you need out of it, that's the main thing. -d
dawgit
6th Aug 2010
0
Votes
Something happening in the background?
Is task scheduler used to trigger programs after hours? If so, what kind of tasks? Check them, one of those tasks may be the culprit. I have run into some programs that will cleanup the MRU list, including what you mentioned.
31st Jul 2010
Replies
LV was hot!
JADavis9
1st Aug 2010
as a suggestion, might check autocomplete settings
unless you used tweakUI or modified your registry settings...
unless you used tweakUI or modified your registry settings...
CG IT
6th Aug 2010
Used to smile at me and say, "It's easier if you do it for me."
santeewelding
6th Aug 2010
0
Votes
It could be set to automatically clear.
There are a myriad of tweaking utilities that include options to "Clear History on Shutdown."
Using Registry cleaners or tools like CCleaner will also clear the Run history.
If you want to have Windows retain a history of what you type into the Run line, here is a quick Registry edit that will set that up:
1. Go to the following location in the Registry Editor (regedit): HKEY_CURRENT_USER → Software → Microsoft → Windows → CurrentVersion → Policies → Explorer.
2. On the right hand side panel look for ClearRecentDocsOnExit.
3. double click on ClearRecentDocsOnExit and type in its value as 0 and make sure Hexadecimal is selected. (removing the key ClearRecentDocsOnExit will accomplish the same thing)
4. Then just click on OK and close the Registry Editor.
setting the value to 1 will cause Run History to be removed with each shutdown.
If you find the key is missing, you can create it by right-clicking and selecting New > DWORD Value. Give it the name ClearRecentDocsOnExit. Be sure to spell it exactly that way. Then double click on it to edit the value to 1 to remove history or 0 to retain history. Put a dot in front of Hexadecimal and click OK
I hope this helps.
Using Registry cleaners or tools like CCleaner will also clear the Run history.
If you want to have Windows retain a history of what you type into the Run line, here is a quick Registry edit that will set that up:
1. Go to the following location in the Registry Editor (regedit): HKEY_CURRENT_USER → Software → Microsoft → Windows → CurrentVersion → Policies → Explorer.
2. On the right hand side panel look for ClearRecentDocsOnExit.
3. double click on ClearRecentDocsOnExit and type in its value as 0 and make sure Hexadecimal is selected. (removing the key ClearRecentDocsOnExit will accomplish the same thing)
4. Then just click on OK and close the Registry Editor.
setting the value to 1 will cause Run History to be removed with each shutdown.
If you find the key is missing, you can create it by right-clicking and selecting New > DWORD Value. Give it the name ClearRecentDocsOnExit. Be sure to spell it exactly that way. Then double click on it to edit the value to 1 to remove history or 0 to retain history. Put a dot in front of Hexadecimal and click OK
I hope this helps.
Updated - 6th Aug 2010
Replies
It's what regulates plate tectonics.
Are you sure -- in the name of all the rest of us -- you want to empower him so?
Are you sure -- in the name of all the rest of us -- you want to empower him so?
santeewelding
6th Aug 2010
Perhaps I should've included the warning:
WARNING:
Changes made to the Windows registry happen immediately, and no backup is automatically made. Do not edit the Windows registry unless you are confident about doing so.
Microsoft has issued the following warning with respect to the Registry Editor:
"Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to re-install Windows to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk."
oooops.... too late.
WARNING:
Changes made to the Windows registry happen immediately, and no backup is automatically made. Do not edit the Windows registry unless you are confident about doing so.
Microsoft has issued the following warning with respect to the Registry Editor:
"Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to re-install Windows to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk."
oooops.... too late.
CaptBilly1Eye
6th Aug 2010
upon exploration of my first Windows computer, I discovered much to my horror that I had fooked things right up. 
Exactly the point at which:
A) I determined to master the damned thing, and
B) I learned to backup the registry. A thing I do every other month or so now.
Exactly the point at which:
A) I determined to master the damned thing, and
B) I learned to backup the registry. A thing I do every other month or so now.
boxfiddler
6th Aug 2010
I only see (Default) and NoDriveTypeAutoRun on the right in that section. But I'll bet that I have been clearing it with regular use of cCleaner or infrequent use of Registry Clean Expert (I know ... many of you will say I should not run this type program - so I won't)
JADavis9
7th Aug 2010
Problem solved.
Don't use a cleaner setting which will remove the key.
Don't use a cleaner setting which will remove the key.
seanferd
7th Aug 2010
