Hi carzonthehill,
My Recent Documents is removed from the Start menu in Windows 7. Windows 7 categorizes recent items by the program used to open them, and each program on the Start
menu or the taskbar has a Jump List of recently opened documents, websites, or files.
This feature is by design in Windows 7.
Additionally, restoring the “Recent items” into the File Save & Open dialogue box doesn’t seem to be feasible.
You can open recent items from a Jump List in one click, or pin favorite items to the top of each list. For more information, see Using
Jump Lists to open programs and items.
However, if you wish to have the feature reinstated in Windows 7, you may leave your feedback/suggestion at the Windows
7 Feedback and Microsoft Connect
site.
Hope this information helps.
Gokul - Microsoft Support
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