[Solved] Remove files from Recent Documents

[MarkP]

When I click on 'FILE' then 'RECENT DOCUMENTS', I can't delete documents I no longer want on the list unless I click 'CLEAR ALL"! If I do that, everything disappears and I have to add the files I DO want all over again!
How do I completely delete files I no longer want.
At the moment, the files I don't want are empty but their title is still on the list.
Please walk this luddite through the steps.

[Email deleted to prevent abuse - robleyd, mod]

[robleyd]

Files which haven't been opened will eventually be replaced by more recently opened files in the Recent list; it contains a maximum of 20 entries. As you note, individual entries cannot be removed in AOO* as installed.

You nay wish to download and install the History Manager extension. Once downloaded, double click to install; then restart AOO. You can then access History Master via Tools | Addons.

*Apache OpenOffice

[MarkP]

Thanks Robleyd...I sort off understand. ie: I can't delete these empty files that I no longer need. OK. So, I will just keep pushing them to the bottom of my list by opening and closing my current files. Does 'History Mgr. Ext.' give me more than 20 files? If not, what is it for?

[robleyd]

You misunderstand the Recent Files list. It is simply a list of the filename and location of files you have opened; it is not a real file, simply a pointer to where that file was last opened from. You can see this by e.g. deleting the actaul file and noting that it is still shown on the Recent Files list.

I guess you didn't look at the link above; so I'll paste the HELP information for History Master - between the two your questions about the extension should be answered.

Introduction
OpenOffice.org maintains two independent lists which memorize the names of the recently open documents.
PickList is displayed from the menu Files - Recent Documents
URLHistory is displayed by the button Load URL. This button may be set visible in the Standard toolbar. The Down arrow of this button displays a list of document addresses.
The two lists work differently :
PickList is updated at each document closure. A document which is still open is not added to the list.
The list URLHistory of an open document contains this document and the previously opened documents, even if they are not yet closed. This list is not updated in the current document if you later open and close other documents.
Use
Current list
Use the listbox in this frame to display PickList or URLHistory contents.
All the modifications that you do on a list are only effective when you hit the button «Apply changes». If you change to another list or if you close the window without hitting this button, the list will stay unchanged.
List size
This frame shows the maximum number of items that can be memorized. This number may be reduced to zero or set up to 100.
Memorized elements
This frame lists addresses of documents, from the most recent at top to the oldest at bottom. You may select one or more items and move them up or down in the list. The buttons «Move up» and «Move down» repeat while keeping the button activated.
If a document was moved to another folder, or if it has been deleted, it is no more accessible at the address shown. In such case the line starts with ●. You may delete these useless items with a button.
Special cases
With some operating systems it may be necessary to completely close OpenOffice.org (including the Quick Starter) to put the changes into effect.
History Master may detect inconsistencies in a list. As far as possible, it then automatically corrects the list.
Due to Issue 77102 the address of a suppressed item remains in the configuration file. History Master systematically cleans up this file when the window is closed so as to ensure privacy.

[MarkP]

Sorry, this gobbledy gook is going in one eye and out the other. Let me put it this way. I had a file called 'Untitled'. When I'd finished with it, I deleted all that I had typed then closed the file. It reappeared on my File list as 'Untitled'. Whether I right/left click on it (in the hope there is a way to delete it) it says: 'C:/users/markp/one drive/documents/untitled 1.odt does not exist' I then have to click on 'OK'. Anyway, what I can gather from you is that I'm stuck with it unless I 'clear all files' or wait until I have 20 files. So sorry I'm not a tech head and thanks for trying to get through to me.

[robleyd]

To make it short and sweet - install the extension and you will be able to remove the file from the Recent Files list. Otherwise you wait till it drops off the list. Those are your options; I don't think I can express it more simply than that so I'll bow out here.

[MarkP]

Yay...we have lift off!! Oh...then how do I delete...right or left click?

[MarkP]

Doesn't matter...it wouldn't download. I'll have to play the 20 waiting game instead.

[RoryOF]

In an out of the box OpenOffice 4.1.15 install (on linux, perhaps Windows differs), the Recent Documents list is only ten files. LibreOffice may differ.

[LastUnicorn]

If you really want some control of this then switch from OpenOffice to LibreOffice. With LibreOffice installed and using its Start Centre you can remove individual entries in the recent documents list. There are several good reasons for making the switch anyway, some of which are mentioned here: [Tutorial] Considering a Switch from OpenOffice to LibreOffice? Some Useful Information

This said robleyd has given a clear route on how do much the same thing in OpenOffice. So it is all over to you now and your own efforts.

[robleyd]

It seems the download link from the extensions site is broken. If you wish to send me a PM with your email address I can send you the extension file.

[MarkP]

Thanks everyone. I'm not a tech head and LIBRE scares me...could lose my existing files. Don't like the mention of Microsoft interfering.

[Hagar Delest]

Don't like the mention of Microsoft interfering.

What do you mean?
LO also can pin documents to the recent list, that's quite handy.
LO is very close to AOO. Give a portable version a try, just to see.

[LastUnicorn]

I'm not a tech head and LIBRE scares me...could lose my existing files.

LibreOffice will not cause you to lose your existing files.

[MarkP]

Are my files transferred in the download process or do I have to copy and paste them all? Anyway, the download was not possible...I tried once.

[RoryOF]

Your files remain on your computer, in the location in which you Saved them. They won't show up on Recent Documents and simiiar list until you use /File /Open to navigate to them and open them, but that is elementary computer usage with which you should be familiar.

[MarkP]

For you all who try to help: I can't download 'History Master Extension'. It comes up as: 'This site can't be reached'!
I can't find URL History 'button'?
I can't therefore use 'Use current list'; 'List size' etc
I'm on Windows 10 and will not upgrade after bad experience of no longer compatible with my Brother Printer after a previous upgrade.
Cost me a lot of money to hire a tech head!
This will teach me to use Open Office because it's free.
You get what you don't pay for.

[robleyd]

I can't download 'History Master Extension'

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the link is broken. My offer in that post to email you the extension is still open.

[MarkP]

Forgive my memory but what will the extension allow me to do?
The brief answer I need is: Will it allow me to delete unwanted file names from the 'Recent Files' list?
If so...what are the steps...right/left click and where?
markpengilly@hotmail.com

[MarkP]

Whoops...'Recent Documents' list (not 'files list') when clicking on 'File' (top left corner)

[robleyd]

Will it allow me to delete unwanted file names from the 'Recent Files' list?

I've already answered this:

To make it short and sweet - install the extension and you will be able to remove the file from the Recent Files list.

what are the steps

Once the extension is installed, open it via Tools |Addons | History Master. There is a button for HELP which you should use as needed.

[MarkP]

OK...please send the link that works for Windows 10.

[robleyd]

Sent as an attachment to an email.

[MarkP]

Thanks...I look fwd to it's arrival.

[robleyd]

It should have arrived long since - check your junk/spam folder.

[MarkP]

Nothing...maybe post link here?

[robleyd]

I can't post a link to a file on my computer; however I have resent the mail from a different address. Make sure you check your junk mail folder if it doesn't appear in your inbox.

[MarkP]

Thanks for this.

I downloaded it but it still says the file I want to remove does not exist and so I can't remove it from the list.

[robleyd]

Did you read my first response above as I suggested in the email?

Once downloaded, double click to install; then restart AOO. You can then access History Master via Tools | Addons.

[MarkP]

Once I clicked to download, there was nowhere to double click to install.