Member Avatar for Dani

I found this in a few different places around the 'net - hopefully it's helpful:

Delete Files when the Recycle Bin is Hidden

By default, the Windows XP Recycle Bin sits at the bottom right of the desktop, just above the tray notification area and system clock. If you've got a bunch of floating windows open, however, it's possible to obscure the Recycle Bin and make it impossible to drag files and folders there for deletion. However, Microsoft must have thought of this event, because you can automatically hide all of those open windows during a drag operation.

  • Make sure a bunch of windows are open on the screen, with at least one of them hiding the Recycle Bin.
  • Find a file or group of files you'd like to drag to the Recycle Bin.
  • Pick up the files with the mouse and move them to the lower right of the screen.
  • As you reach the bottom area of the screen, pass the mouse cursor over a blank area of the task bar, hover there for an instant, and--voila!--the open windows all minimize, leaving the Recycle Bin available to accept the dragged files.

This tip also works when windows are maximized, assuming the file(s) you want to delete are visible in one of the available windows.

  • 3 Contributors
  • 4 Replies
  • 200 Views
  • 4 Years Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by The Dude

Dani AI

Generated

Nice catch, — that drag-to-the-taskbar trick is handy when the bin is merely covered. Two other fast options: press Windows+D to show the desktop or Windows+M to minimize everything, then drop the files. If you want to skip the bin altogether, select files and press Shift+Delete to permanently delete them.

If the Recycle Bin icon itself is missing (not just hidden behind windows), first check whether desktop icons are turned off: right‑click an empty spot on the desktop, point to Arrange Icons By and make sure Show Desktop Icons is checked. If that still doesn’t show the bin, restore it from Display Properties: right‑click the desktop → Properties → Desktop tab → Customize Desktop → check Recycle Bin and click OK. (ftp.zx.net.nz)

If the whole desktop is blank (no Start button or taskbar) the shell (explorer.exe) may not be running — press Ctrl+Alt+Del, choose Run (or Start → Run) and type explorer.exe to restart it. If the desktop context menu option to show icons is missing, a policy or registry setting (for example NoActiveDesktop or NoActiveDesktopChanges under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer) can remove the menu; undoing that policy via Group Policy or by restoring the registry value will bring the option back. Back up the registry and create a restore point before making changes. (learn.microsoft.com)

For older systems, ’s shortcut idea is a valid fallback (Win98 used a RECYCLED folder). If you’re unsure about editing policies or the registry, use the Show Desktop / Minimize shortcuts or ask someone comfortable with XP/2000 system settings to help.

Recommended Answers

All 4 Replies

Member Avatar for WalterB

Thanks very much! I had been looking for the icon. WaltB

Member Avatar for The Dude

Welcome to the site Walt :)

Our admin has ALOT OF GOOD THINGS :)

Please feel free to stick around!!

Member Avatar for WalterB

Thanks again, BTW What should I do when the recycle bin is not covered but simply not showing on the screen? Walt

Member Avatar for The Dude

You can still move stuff to the bin right?? (You cant see it on desktop though?)

I am on Win98se and i could simply goto my root directory and right click "RECYCLED" and place the shortcut on my desktop if i wanted.. (But i already have the icon there)


Good luck!

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.