How far back do lenders look ?

Hi was wondering how far a lender would look back into your credit file ?
for example if u had a very good record for the last 3 years but not so great before that ?

So i guess im asking after how long do missed payments defults etc really effect an application,

i guess there is a cut off like 1 or 2 years etc when a missed payment is less likely to effect a decision .