Need help controlling the Recycle Bin, WinXP

[uss]

My recycle bin simply doesn't open when I double click on it - nothing happens. When I try to click on it with the right mouse button, the computer stops responding and I have to restart.

How to deal with this problem?


Thanks.

[RoSs_bg2_rox]

hmm, do you think you have a lot of stuff in it? if that is the problem then you should change the recylce bin settings, so that it doesnt get to store so much stuff.

oh yeh and also a tip: If you want to delete something permanently then hold down the shift key while pressing del. This bypasses the recycle bin and goes straight of the computer.

[ 05-31-2004, 07:37 AM: Message edited by: RoSs_bg2_rox ]

[Paladin2000]

If you recycle bin is too full, can you try these steps to clean it up?

1. My computer

2. click on C:\RECYCLED Or which ever drive letter corresponds to your HDD.

3. ALT+A and hit the "delete" key.

OR try this:

1. Start Run.

2. Type in "CMD" and hit enter.

3. Type "cd\" and hit enter.

4. Type "cd recycled" and hit enter.

5. Type "del *.*" and hit enter.

[ 05-31-2004, 10:01 AM: Message edited by: Paladin2000 ]

[Bungleau]

Does it also do that in safe mode? You have more control there.

I'm not sure if Paladin2000's suggestion of deletion will work with directories that may be in there... you may need to use deltree /y instead of del. If you do, though, be very sure that you are in the right directory before you delete. Once they're gone, they're gone...

And on Ross' tip, the "shift-delete" thing usually works. Occasionally on some of the machines I use, the first time it may ask if you want to move it to the recycle bin. The second time it will ask if you want to delete. Just be sure to read the writing on the screen, and you'll be fine.

A third thought just popped in... open up Windows Explorer. Recycle Bin shows up in there as well, and you can right-click on it there and select "delete all".

[uss]

Hmm, this is funny. I can't open the recycle bin in any way possible in Normal mode. It's always the same - double clicking does nothing, right mouse button more or less freezes the comp.

Then I engaged in Safe mode. Double clicking couldn't open it even then, but right button delete did the trick. [img]smile.gif[/img]

The problem still persists however. I'll keep that recycle bin bypassing method in mind.


Thanks for the help. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Paladin2000]

Time to whip out your XP CD and do a reinstallation.

[Bungleau]

I'm with P2K. Time for a repair installation of Windows... and perhaps a full scan disk and defrag, too.

[RoSs_bg2_rox]

you could try a system restore. If you regulary make restore points then this may fix the problem, although i emphasise the may.

edit:it really depends on the problem, if it is a virus problem of some sort then this should work. How much RAM do you have btw?

[ 06-01-2004, 10:21 AM: Message edited by: RoSs_bg2_rox ]

[Ilander]

Erasing programs are another way of bypassing the Recycle Bin. They also don't delete things (which I've heard described as simply ripping the cover off a book, rather than shredding it); erasing programs delete files and then randomly overwrite them with gibberish data (as many times as you would like...mine can handle thirty-five passes). Deleting is only good if you want the data to come back...and what the heck is the sense in that? If you want it gone...well...he he he...try searching for "Erasing Programs" on download.com if you're interested...I use a program called Eraser 5.3, but 5.6 is out (maybe newer versions than that, too...I haven't checked).