Strange Dock ghost icons

[rcr]

Frequently when I log on, folders and files that I have recently been using appear along my dock to one side. They don't seem related to anything, when I click on them they disappear. Not sure how to stop this behaviour or why it's happening?

 

[PajamaPants]

It is simple. You are only minimizing your windows and documents (using the yellow button). To stop that just click the windows and close them (red button) one by one.
And if you want to keep minimizing stuff but you don't want it in there just disable the minimize to dock preference or switch with the minimize to icon one.

Good luck.