Windows 7 - Recent Documents List
You can restore the classic-style "Recent Items" list to your Start menu with these steps:
on an empty space on the Taskbar and select Properties . Windows 7 Recent Documents List
Scroll through the list of options to find and check the box. Click OK on all windows to apply the changes. Understanding Jump Lists You can restore the classic-style "Recent Items" list
Navigate to the tab and click the Customize button. Windows 7 Recent Documents List
Windows 7 introduced as a program-specific alternative to the general recent documents list.