Lesson 12: Using the Recycle Bin

• deleting files or folders

• what the Recycle Bin is

• restoring files from the Recycle Bin

• emptying the Recycle Bin

• identifying common problems with accessing files

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Looking at the Recycle Bin

• Temporary storage area for files and folders you delete from local hard disk

• Files and folders deleted from external disk or network drive permanently deleted and cannot be restored

• Access icons on desktop or in Windows Explorer

• If computer shared, separate Recycle Bin for each user

• To permanently delete file and bypass Recycle Bin, press while deleting file or folder

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Deleting Files & Folders

• If no longer need files or folders, or to save disk space

• Always check contents of folder before deleting entire folder– Crucial if folder on network drive or external disk

• To delete file or folder, select file or folder and then:– Click and then click Delete

– Press

– Right-click and click Delete

– Drag item to Recycle Bin folder

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Restoring a File or Folder

• Can restore deleted file or folder to original location– Can only restore entire folder and its contents

• To restore file or folder from Recycle Bin: – Select the file or folder to be restored, and then click

– To restore multiple files or folders, select appropriate files or folders, and then click

– To restore all items, click

– Right-click selected files or folders and then click Restore

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Emptying the Recycle Bin

• Deleted files remain until you empty it or it is full– If full, Windows automatically deletes older files and folders to free

up enough space for new items

• When file or folder deleted from Recycle Bin, permanently deleted

• To empty Recycle Bin: – On Command bar, click

– Right-click Recycle Bin window and click Empty Recycle Bin

– Right-click Recycle Bin icon on desktop and click Empty Recycle Bin

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Identifying Common Problems with Files• Use standard naming convention when saving files, ensuring each file

name is unique and do not overwrite any files – Adhere to file management standards set so others can find files and

folders easily

• Be careful not to change file extensions and to type the file extension correctly

• When renaming files, remember characters you cannot use

• When moving files, be careful to select appropriate file

• When using portable storage device, copy from hard drive to storage device

• Always delete files to Recycle Bin if you might need them later

• Carefully read any error messages Windows displays about files before closing message– Helps identify what could be causing problems with accessing that file

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Identifying Common Problems with Files• If error message indicates you are low on hard drive space:

– Delete data files you do not need or use, then uninstall unused application programs

• Be very careful when using passwords with confidential or sensitive files

• If cannot make changes to file, file probably has been set to read-only

• If error message indicates file may be corrupted, try opening file on another computer to see if can duplicate the message

• Be very careful when working with hidden files and change back to hidden status once you have completed the necessary actions

• If Windows cannot find program to automatically accept or open file, usually indicates you do not have proper software

• Always check with technical support whenever unsure what is happening on system with files, or cannot get access to files

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