Hi, Nana. See http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=284896 "'Most recently
used' list missing from File menu and 'Recently used file list' option
unavailable in Office XP and 2003".

"Nana Ann" wrote:

When I select Tools, Options, General, the Recently used files box is shaded.
I cannot check it so I can see the list of my most recently used file. It's
the same whether I'm in Word or Excel.