Option Explicit 
 'API declaration to clear the "recent documents" list
Private Declare Sub SHAddToRecentDocs Lib "shell32" _ 
(ByVal uFlags As Long, ByVal pv As Any) 
 
 
Sub ClearRecentDocs() 
     '   Clear the 'Start' menu list
    SHAddToRecentDocs 0, CLng(0) 
     
     '   Clear Excel's list in the file menu and task pane
    With Application 
         
         '   If recent file tracking is already off, why clear?
        If .DisplayRecentFiles = False Then 
            Exit Sub 
             
             
        Else 
             
             
             '       If it's not, toggle the setting to clear
             '       and hide the task pane if it's visible
            .DisplayRecentFiles = False 
             
            On Error Resume Next 
            .CommandBars("Task Pane").Visible = False 
            On Error GoTo 0 
             
            .DisplayRecentFiles = True 
             
        End If 
         
    End With 
     
End Sub