Reset Microsoft Word Settings and Recent Files (All Windows)

Registry Guide for Windows
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Registry tweaks, tricks & hacks to optimize, enhance and secure Microsoft Windows.

Reset Microsoft Word Settings and Recent Files (All Windows)
Category: Home > Software > Microsoft Office > Word

This tweak can be easily applied using WinGuides Tweak Manager.
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This setting can be used to reset the Word parameters back to the default if you are experiencing problems. For example if you start Word and one of your toolbars or menu bars is missing, or if your personalized settings are not retained.

Open your registry and find the key below where office version is either "9.0" for Office 2000 or "10.0" for Office XP.

With the "Data" folder selected, click Rename on the Edit menu. Type a new name for the Data folder (for example, type OldData) and then press ENTER.

Restart Word for the changes to take effect.

Note: This tweak will also clear the Most Recently Used (MRU) file list on the File menu.

Settings:

User Key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\[office version]\Word\Data]

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Last Modified: December 2, 2002

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