I would like to create a script that adds a dozen or so entries to the Run box's most recently used list each time I start my computer up...

Can anybody point me to an online resource that will teach me how to do this?

To add items to the drop down list in the run dialog you have to successfully execute them first, but you can create a script that opens the run dialog and enters a certain command to execute. I have no programming knowledge at all so I use AutoIt v3 to make scripts. It can also compile GUIs. http://www.autoitscript.com/autoit3/

The MRU list for the Run box is located at
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU

There are 27 keys in that registry folder, all string values, labeled a through z and one labelled MRUlist.

Here's how it all works:

The a through z values are the actual commands that were typed in (with "\1" tacked on the end, but I don't know why). The runMRU list can only contain 26 entries corresponding to the 26 letters of the alphabet.

the MRUlist value contains a string of 26 letters representing the order of the MRUlist by the last command issued.

The script you will want to write should replace one or more of the lettered values with the entry you want (with the "/1" at the end). I would recommend leaving the MRUlist value alone, though; let Windows handle that.

Pretty much any scripting language that can access the registry will work. If it were me, I'd probably use a batch file and stick it in my Startup folder.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions. And, as always, backup your registry before tinkering!! No one has ever said "gee, I really wish I hadn't backed up my registry"

Hi Andrew,

Thanks a lot for that wonderfully elucidating response!

Even though I'm a total newcomer to this subject, everything you said makes perfect sense to me.

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me, heh

Glad to help! It occurred to me that all you may need to do is create a .reg file with the desired info and have it run at startup. I've never tried this so I don't know whether Windows will react nicely, but I don't see why it wouldn't.

Does this link help?

http://quick-help.net/Creating-A-Script

Well what kind of script are you trying to make??

Is it a windows script? if so i will give u simple directions

First, Create a new text document. You can do this by right clicking on the desktop, selecting new, and clicking "New Text Document".

Next you will have to edit this file, Right click on the-now on your desktop "New Text Document- and click "Edit".

This will open the document.

This is a basic script that will execute when you double click on the icon:

Microsoft=msgbox ("message",0,"message")

Now "0" is just a number that is used to answere the script, these numbers range from 0-99.

Now save this file as a script document.

CLick "File", Save As, and then save it as a (desired name here).vbs

You must type ".vbs" ( dont put quotes)

Then you may double click it, and it will be a script.

Thank You,

ActiveX