Member Avatar for Karkinnen

My upgrade of my spybot has given me a huge list of MRU files and wants to know what I want to do with them. Errrmmmm thats where ya'll come in! LOL Ya'll have taught me sooo much. (I can generally read my HJT! logs all by myself now!!) What are MRU files, and should I do anything with them? Will my computer blow up if I delete them? LOL I'll post the log they gave me.

Thank in advance for your help. I have told a lot of people about your site! Ya'll are awesome!!

Karki

MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\nvidia corporation\global\nview\windowmanagement
Description : nvidia nview cached application window positions


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\applets\wordpad\recent file list
Description : list of recent files opened using wordpad


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\applets\paint\recent file list
Description : list of files recently opened using microsoft paint


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\runmru
Description : mru list for items opened in start | run


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\search assistant\acmru
Description : list of recent search terms used with the search assistant


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\comdlg32\opensavemru
Description : list of recently saved files, stored according to file extension


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\comdlg32\lastvisitedmru
Description : list of recent programs opened


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\recentdocs
Description : list of recent documents opened


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\player\recentfilelist
Description : list of recently used files in microsoft windows media player


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\internet explorer\main
Description : last save directory used in microsoft internet explorer


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\internet explorer
Description : last download directory used in microsoft internet explorer


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : software\microsoft\directdraw\mostrecentapplication
Description : most recent application to use microsoft directdraw


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\microsoft management console\recent file list
Description : list of recent snap-ins used in the microsoft management console


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\preferences
Description : last cd record path used in microsoft windows media player


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\internet explorer\typedurls
Description : list of recently entered addresses in microsoft internet explorer


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\adobe\acrobat reader\6.0\avgeneral\crecentfiles
Description : list of recently used files in adobe reader


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\kazaa\search
Description : list of recent searches performed with sharman networks kazaa


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\jasc\paint shop pro 7\recent file list
Description : list of recently used files in jasc paint shop pro


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : software\microsoft\direct3d\mostrecentapplication
Description : most recent application to use microsoft direct3d


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\jasc\animation shop 3\recent file list
Description : list of recently used files in jasc animation shop


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\jasc\paint shop pro 7\general
Description : last save as directory used in jasc paint shop pro


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\jasc\animation shop 3\saveasdialog
Description : list of recently saved files in jasc animation shop


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\preferences
Description : last playlist index loaded in microsoft windows media player


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\applets\regedit
Description : last key accessed using the microsoft registry editor


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\preferences
Description : last playlist loaded in microsoft windows media player


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\jasc\animation shop 3\fileopendialog
Description : list of recently opened files in jasc animation shop


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\mediaplayer\medialibraryui
Description : last selected node in the microsoft windows media player media library


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : software\microsoft\direct3d\mostrecentapplication
Description : most recent application to use microsoft direct X


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : .DEFAULT\software\microsoft\windows media\wmsdk\general
Description : windows media sdk


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-18\software\microsoft\windows media\wmsdk\general
Description : windows media sdk


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : S-1-5-21-624283060-3663268623-3575972027-1003\software\microsoft\windows media\wmsdk\general
Description : windows media sdk


MRU List Object Recognized!
Location: : C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\recent
Description : list of recently opened documents

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Karkinnen

Dani AI

Generated

Short answer: MRU means “Most Recently Used.” As said, MRU lists are simply convenience records kept by Windows and many applications so menus, the Run box and “Recent” lists can show what you opened last. Those records live in the per‑user profile (the NTUSER.DAT/Recent area) and in many app-specific places, and they are exactly what Spybot is flagging. Forensic overview of registry MRU artifacts. (forensicfocus.com)

Why they can be a security/privacy risk: MRU entries often contain file names and paths, typed URLs, search terms and commands — information that reveals what you were working on, where files lived (including removable or network drives), and sometimes timestamps. That makes them useful to forensic investigators and also useful data for an attacker or privacy intruder if they get access to your account or an image of your disk. Typed URL / RecentDocs / RunMRU artifacts explained. (artefacts.help)

Should you delete them? Yes — it is safe. Removing MRU entries won’t “break” Windows; it will only remove the convenience lists and most entries will be rebuilt as you use programs. Use built‑in options first: File Explorer Options (Privacy → Clear), Start/Personalization settings to stop showing recent items, or use Group Policy/management to clear recent docs at logoff. If you edit the registry manually, back up the registry or create a restore point first. Microsoft policy/options; clear-on-exit option. (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical for : Spybot is just reporting MRU objects — not necessarily malware. If privacy is the goal, clear the lists with Windows settings or a trusted privacy tool, then run a full anti‑malware scan. If unsure about editing registry keys yourself, use the GUI options or get help; always back up the profile/registry before making mass changes. How to clear Run/Recent lists and tools for MRU cleanup. (thewindowsclub.com)

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Member Avatar for caperjack

MRU=Most Recently Used,You decide what you want to do with them !!:)

Member Avatar for Karkinnen

ok, that was SO not useful. :evil:

no one else need post. i wont be checking back. i obviously should know the answer to my questions.

karki

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