HOW TO: Use the "Most Recently Used" Category in the Function Wizard in Excel 2000

This step-by-step article explains how to use the use the "Most Recently Used" category in the Function Wizard in Excel 2000.

In the Microsoft Excel Function Wizard, the Most Recently Used Function list contains the last 10 functions that you used in the Function Wizard. When you use a function in the Function Wizard, that function is added to the Most Recently Used Function list. If there are already 10 functions on the list, the last function on this list is removed from the list and the new function is added.

It is not possible to remove the Most Recently Used Function list from the Function Wizard.

When you start the Function Wizard, the function category you used last is automatically selected. For example, if the last category you used was the most recently used function, this category is selected the next time you use the Function Wizard.

NOTE: The Most Recently Used Function list in the Function Wizard is not updated if you are using a custom function or a function from an add-in. The list is updated only when you use the functions that are in the Function Wizard by default.

Reset the Most Recently Used Function List

Although you cannot clear the Most Recently Used Function list, you can reset it. The instructions below show you how to reset the Most Recently Used Function category list to the following 10 default functions:

SUM
AVERAGE
IF
HYPERLINK
COUNT
MAX
SIN
SUMIF
PMT
STDEV

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
To reset the Most Recently Used Function category list, follow these steps:

1. Quit Excel.
2. On the Windows taskbar, click Start, and then click Run.
3. In the Run box, type regedit and click OK.
4. Locate the following key:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\9.0\Excel\Options
5. In the right pane, select the entry that is named MRUFuncs, and then press DELETE. Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the deletion.
6. On the Registry menu, click Exit.
7. Start Excel.

When you start the Function Wizard, the list of functions is reset to the 10 default functions.

Preventing the Most Recently Used Function List from Being Updated

To prevent the Most Recently Used Function list from being updated, do not use the Function Wizard. Functions that are entered when you are not using the Function Wizard are not added to the Most Recently Used Function list.