Recycle Bin
Why is there a Recycle Bin on the Windows desktop?
In all versions of Windows, available for the last few years, there has been an icon on the desktop called the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin provides a way of recovering files that we have deleted.
When deleting files, particularly when wiping several at once, it is all too easy to delete something that you shouldn't have. The recycle bin keeps the deleted files safe by 'remembering' where they came from so that they can be restored, if required.
When we delete a file, the actual information on the hard disk drive is not deleted - only the index entry (which tells the computer where the file is stored on the hard drive) is deleted. The Recycle Bin keeps the file and the index entry.
This is similar to a worker in a very large library, who has been told to clear withdrawn books from the shelves but just hides the index cards instead. Because the library is so large, all borrowers choose books by looking through the index cards. If there is no index card, a withdrawn book doesn't seem to exist, although it is still on the shelf.
If you realise that you have deleted something that you shouldn't have, double-click the Recycle Bin and look for the file. Right-click on the file and choose Restore. The index entry will be restored and computer will, once again, be able to 'see' and access the file.
There are limits to what the Recyle Bin can do. Very large files, or a folder containing many smaller files may not be able to be accommodated in the Recycle Bin. If this situation is about to happen, Windows will warn you of the risk. Once the Recycle Bin become full, Windows clears older files from the Recycle Bin to accommodate newer deletions.
Since files in the Recycle Bin are taking space on your hard disk drive, there may come a time when you wish to recover the space. Remember that once you do this, there is no way to recover the deleted, deleted files.
To empty the Recycle Bin, right click on the bin and choose Empty Recycle Bin from the menu that opens. Be warned, there is no way back!
