Member Avatar for celtic_moon

I just bought a used PC. It is running Windows XP Professional. I don't have the CD. Does anyone know where I can find the recycle bin?

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A few practical follow-ups that complement ’s and ’s replies (and explain why the Recycle Bin sometimes looks “missing” even when Windows is intact).

Right‑click the desktop and check Arrange Icons By → Show Desktop Icons. If icons are enabled but the Recycle Bin still doesn’t appear, open Display Properties → Desktop → Customize Desktop and verify the Recycle Bin is checked in Desktop icons. A simple F5 or logging off/on (or restarting Explorer) will often refresh the shell if settings have been changed but the icon didn’t redraw.

Notes on behavior that often confuses people: pressing Delete normally moves files into the Recycle Bin, but Shift+Delete permanently removes them. Files on network shares, some removable media, or files larger than the configured Recycle Bin size are not sent to the Bin. The Recycle Bin is per volume (each drive has its own hidden folder such as RECYCLER/Recycled); that’s why a file deleted from D: won’t show in C:’s Bin.

If the Bin is corrupted (double‑click shows errors or items disappear), Windows will recreate its hidden per‑drive folders if they’re removed. After making hidden and protected OS files visible in Folder Options, an administrator can remove just the RECYCLER (or Recycled) folder on the affected drive; Windows will rebuild it on next delete. For example, from an administrative Command Prompt:

rd /s /q C:\RECYCLER

Use that only on the Recycler/Recycled folder and back up important data first.

Finally, third‑party suites (as suggested) or corporate Group Policy can replace or hide the desktop Bin; check installed utilities (Add/Remove Programs) and local policy (gpedit.msc → Administrative Templates → Desktop) if the simple fixes don’t work. These extra checks explain most “missing Recycle Bin” cases seen on used or managed PCs.

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Member Avatar for nanosani

The recycle bin is always located on the desktop ... by default it is in the lower right corner of the desktop. If you dont find it, you can just hit delete to delete a selected item.

Member Avatar for caperjack

This might help you bring it back.

Member Avatar for Dani

Norton Security software might also have that Norton protected recycle bin thingy which replaces the standard Windows recycle bin. Perhaps a Norton install/uninstall gone wrong?

Member Avatar for nanosani

This might help you bring it back.

Hey casperjack ... I couldnt open your link ... is the link inactive or I am having some kinda trouble ??

Member Avatar for caperjack

Hey casperjack ... I couldnt open your link ... is the link inactive or I am having some kinda trouble ??

opens for me here is is again.

Member Avatar for celtic_moon

Thank you so much!!!!! It is finally there!

Member Avatar for nanosani

opens for me here is is again.

Thanks casperjack the link is opening now.

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