Pocket PC - How to Clear Recent Program Listing?

This is a frequently asked question, since the Pocket PC doesn't provide any option to clear or limit the recent program listing as seen in the Windows XP operating system.  Unfortunately, there is no direct method to clear the listing.  The following information will help you understand how this task can be performed quickly.



(Before Editing the Registry)

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Where is This Information Stored?

The recent program information is stored in the Pocket PC registry.  It is stored under the following key:

\HKCU\Software\Microsoft\SHELL\TaskSwitch\

You will need to clear/delete the entries under it one by one or delete the "TaskSwitch" folder and then perform a soft reset to load the changes in the registry.  The TaskSwitch folder will be re-built upon performing a soft reset.

To access the registry, use PHM Registry Editor.  Unfortunately, there is no method of limiting the number of applications it will display.  By default it will show 6 and the registry will store 8 to 10 keys.

Note that after clearing the listing, the programs will build-up again in the order you open them up.

 

(As seen in the Registry)
 

 

(After Editing the Registry)
 
bullet Setting Up a Short-Cut to Clear the Applications Quickly:

 If you plan to clear entries frequently, you can setup a small short-cut in the registry to the "TaskSwitch" folder by do the following:

  1. Once you access the "TaskSwitch" Folder, tap the yellow folder besides Tools.  As seen in the above registry screen-shot.  This will allow you setup a favorite.

  2. Tap Add / Remove tab sheet and click Add. 

  3. Give the Favorite short-cut a name. Example: "ClearRecent" and tap Ok to save.

  4. Next time you want to clear, open the Registry application and tap the favorite you have created.

  5. Delete the folder and perform a soft reset.
     
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Is There a Program That Will Do The Job Instead ?

The new version of Tweaks2K2 has this feature along with various other registry hacks.


Raj Pillai    
(Created: February 16, 2005)

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