listing of files of removed/deleted photos

OK, I'm going to come right out and say it: Relying on the Recent Files list is a terrible, terrible idea. It does not represent the files themselves; it's just links - pointers to locations on the hard drive. If the file is moved or deleted, the link doesn't know. It's still there, pointing nowhere.

What you need to do, what everybody needs to do, is pay attention to where exactly you put your files, organize a sensible folder structure, and work with a proper file browser or file organizer. Like Bridge. Or Windows Explorer for that matter. Anything that shows you what is actually on the disk and where it is.

There. I said it.

The start screen's purpose is mainly to make the application appear somewhat less intimidating to beginners. As such I suppose it works as intended. But as you get to know Photoshop, you will do yourself a favor by turning it off.