Erasing old searches

how can i delete the old searches from auto completing in "search for files or folders... "?

i dont want them coming up everytime i type the first letter but dont want to turn it completely off just delete the ones that are already there

 

I think the simplest method is to use x-setup from xteq.com
http://www.xteq.com/products/xset/index.html

choose the classic interface.
go to
start menu / common / clear items #1
Click on clear found files
Note there are entries there and under the other clear items entries for most everything you could want to clear.
In fact, you can just check the box in "Clear items on logoff" to clear all these automatically when you shut down.

If you go to the toolbar / extra/ search
and type in clear you can find clear options for many individual programs recent files lists.


There are many other useful tweaks available in Xsetup, a great program for managing windows from the legendary Pierre Szwarc and other members of the X-Teq team.

 

duke588--
If you are using Internet Explorer, you should be able to clear the Search history by clicking IETools|Internet Options|Content tab|AutoComplete|Clear Forms. If you leave the Forms box checked, you will still create entries in the future.
It is cheaper than buying XTeq, but it might erase all the autocomplete info for other forms as well. (But not passwords, History or Address bar entries.)

 

Disk Cleaner

Another great multifunction cleaner is Disk Cleaner at ->
http://www.robertenfemke.nl/~diskclean/

(works with Firefox, also)

 

duke588--And then there is System Security Suite
http://www.igorshpak.net/
I use it.
You can see from the screen shot that you can customize exactly what you want to delete.
Not clear whether DiskClean suggested by TopDog works on WinXP/2000. Maybe TopDog can comment.

 

Disk Cleaner

Works on W2k and XP just fine!

It installs with checkbox selection of about two dozen items ranging from Office (95 to 2003) recent files to the Google bar to cookies. You can download or create plugins for Opera, etc, also.
It sets an icon in the Quick Launch bar making it really handy. Neat little program for free!

Good Luck
Top Dog