"Recent Places" always empty

I have Windows 7 64-bit installed. I am frustrated that when using windows explorer, "recent places" is always empty--meaning that I have to always re-navigate through the file structure in order to find the folder I want. In spite of other problems I had when using Vista, this was one thing that always worked and that I found extremely helpful and efficient. Why does it not work in Windows 7, even thought the tool is included in the options list? It's _always_ empty. I have tried looking through various fora for a fix for this, but without success. Help! There MUST be a way to make this work! Thanks much.
~ M

Did you mean recent items??

right click taskbar - properties - under start menu - 2nd paragraph down.'recent items' make sure it is checked.

No, I'm talking about "Recent Places" that appears on the left-hand side of the Windows Explorer window under "Favorites," following the menu sub-items "Desktop" and "Download." "Recent Places" refuses to populate with places recently visited. This was a very helpful addition in Vista, and while it looks like the option is there in Windows 7, "Recent Places" stubbornly remains empty...

Aaaarrrrrrgggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh

Remove Recent Places and restore to default
Click Start, click Computer.
In the left pane, right click on Recent Places and click Remove.
Right click on Favorites, click Restore favorite links.

Close Windows Explorer and check.

should that fail try creating another user account and then check it again with both user accounts.


then you could try resetting jump lists, see attachment.

Used Google "recent places empty" found the following..
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...5-3623ca89c41c

There are several other listings concerning the same problem.
Hope you can repair the problem.
I pinned Windows Explorer desktop icon on the task-bar, when I right click the icon on the task-bar the "Recent List" appears.

Mylene.
I had this problem on a default installation. Uncustomised, unaltered in any way.
None of the browsed helps did the trick. In the end, this was my remedy - it worked for me !
If you are familiar with editing, try this. PLEASE make a backup of your registry first. We can all make typing mistakes.
First:
1. Type regedit in RUN or startmenu search box and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}\ShellFolder
3. First, you will need to change value of "Attributes" DWORD value present in the right-side section. Windows will, by default, not allow you to change its value unless you alter those permissions. To alter these, first, right-click on "ShellFolder" key and select "Permissions".
In the new window. Select "Administrators" in user list and check "Allow" box given for "Full Control" permission. Click the OK button.
Right! now:
We have to remove and replace the favorites folder in Windows Explorer.
Double-click on "Attributes" DWORD value given in right-side section and change its value to a9400100. OK it.
I am afraid you will now have to log off and on.- You will find the favorites folder has gone from Windows Explorer.

Nopw go back to the same reg key and reinstate the Favorites, by changing the pre mentioned DWord back to a0900100. OK it

Log off and on again and, hopefully, you will have the same success as I.

Good post davehc!