In Windows XP Professional, the Start menu contains a 'My Recent Documents' folder that holds 15 of your most recently accessed documents. If, for privacy reasons, you would like to remove this feature, or at least clear it, read on:

Right-click the start button, select 'properties' then 'customize.' Select the 'advanced' tab. At the bottom, in the 'recent documents' section, you have the options to clear the list, or remove it completely.

If you are using Windows XP Home and you would like to have the 'my recent documents' folder available to you: Right-click the start button, select 'properties' then 'customize.' Select the 'advanced' tab. Now place a checkmark in the 'list my most recently opened documents' check box.