Recycle bin 'delete windows' error

[Serpae]

Hi. My problem is that my recycle bin is showing there is something in it on the desktop, but on opening it there is nothing listed. If I try to 'empty recycle bin' I get the message "Are you sure you want to delete WINDOWS?".

What does this mean and is it a known windows bug or anything?

Can anybody help me resolve this problem, please?

I would appreciate any help from anyone.

I am running Windows Xp Pro SP3, I have done a full antivirus scan (using Microsoft Security Essentials) and it showed no infections.

[Hb_Kai]

It does happen from time to time and there are some fixes. None of which is something I know though.

After some looking I've found a few solutions you could try:

1. Put a redundant file in the Recycle Bin and clear the Recycle Bin.

2. Right Click > Desktop > Properties > Desktop > Customize Desktop. Left Click a Recycle Bin Icon, Click Restore Default for each Icon.

Or go to the following URL, scroll down to Recycle Bin and see if your problem is posted there.

Kelly's Korner - XP

If none work, then it's possible that you may have to replace some DLL's or tamper with the registry to fix this.

But it's not a major problem, is it?

[Hb_Kai]

Some other things I've found:

Or use the Windows command line to see what's in the folder that isn't showing up on windows explorer then deleting it that way.

The way to do this is by:

1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd.exe in the Open box, and then click OK.

2. Change to the drive and folder where you deleted the files. For example if you deleted a file from the C:\Windows folder, type cd\windows at the C: prompt, and then press ENTER.

3. From that folder type cd recycler, and then press ENTER.

4. From the Recycler folder type dir, and then press ENTER. You may see some UserSID folders where SID is the security ID for each user who deleted files in that folder.

5. Type cd userSID, and then press ENTER.

6. Type del *.*, and then press ENTER. If you receive an error message that indicates some files are open, quit all the programs running on your computer.

7. Type cd.., press ENTER, and then repeat steps 5-7 for each folder in the Recycler folder.

8. Type exit, and then press ENTER.

One last thing: Norton can cause this problem as Norton protects the Recycle Bin in some ways and often decides to do this. If so, disconnect from the internet, disable Norton and then retry by putting something in the Recycle Bin that you do not want then deleting it.

[Serpae]

Thanks for your replies, Hb_Kai, and thanks for your detailed instructions. I'll have a try at the fixes you mentioned and follow your guidelines. I'll get back to forum when I've had a good go.

[Serpae]

Well, have spent a large proportion of the day on my pc trying to fix recycle bin error problem. Have tried your various suggestions, Hb_Kai & also those you linked to me from 'Kelly's Korner' website, including the registry edits. All to no avail - still having the same problem. Thanks though for your help.

Can anyone else suggest anything else which has worked for them?

I know it's not exactly a life-threatening problem, but it is annoying that the recycle bin is obviously not working correctly.

I appreciate any suggestions/ideas from anyone...please?!!

:(

[Hb_Kai]

Here's a random question: After deleting an item from the recycle bin and clicking refresh on the desktop, does the icon change back to "emtpy"?

Anyway. I'm not sure whether this one will work or not as the problem may either be with your recycle bin itself or just the shortcut but..

1. Delete the Recycle Bin shortcut from your desktop

2. Right click on any folder and click Explore

3. On the left-hand side menu when the folder appears, drag and drop the recycle bin link onto your desktop.

Or:

Try Control Panel > Display > Desktop > Customise ...click on the (empty) icon and then click on Restore Default.

Or:

Run chkdsk /f on the drive. It could be a corrupt recycle bin directory that caused it. This will require a reboot though and may take some time - after it's done - another reboot.

Or:

Note that this is removing the recyle bin entirely, rebooting, then deleting something to try and rebuild the recycle bins functionality.

1. Go to > Start > Run > type "cmd.exe" > OK

2. Type

rd /s recycler

-- if you're happy to do this, press Y and go ahead, if not, press N.

If you do, do this, reboot twice, deleting something that isn't important and try again.

If this doesn't work, I'll post instructions on removing the recycle bin with the registry and then bringing it back to its life if you want to try that one - but registry editing can go wrong if you don't keep to the instructions tightly so if not, just say so and I'll see if I can figure anything else out for this.

[iceman2009]

Hi. My problem is that my recycle bin is showing there is something in it on the desktop, but on opening it there is nothing listed. If I try to 'empty recycle bin' I get the message "Are you sure you want to delete WINDOWS?".

What does this mean and is it a known windows bug or anything?

Can anybody help me resolve this problem, please?

I would appreciate any help from anyone.

I am running Windows Xp Pro SP3, I have done a full antivirus scan (using Microsoft Security Essentials) and it showed no infections.

Hello,Serpae, you can try follow steps to fix it, i don't know that can help u, just a suggestions

1. Go to start and click run, then type "msconfig"

2. Click the BOOT.INI tab, and choose /SAFEBOOT and click apply.

Then, you'll be asked to restart your PC. And during the restarting process, you might notice the drivers checking utilities "DO NOT skip them"

3. Once you are running in the safe mode, simply right click the recycle bin to empty it.

4. Do steps 1 and 2 to remove your choice of /SAFEBOOT and restart you're PC.

[Serpae]

Here's a random question: After deleting an item from the recycle bin and clicking refresh on the desktop, does the icon change back to "emtpy"?

Anyway. I'm not sure whether this one will work or not as the problem may either be with your recycle bin itself or just the shortcut but..

1. Delete the Recycle Bin shortcut from your desktop

2. Right click on any folder and click Explore

3. On the left-hand side menu when the folder appears, drag and drop the recycle bin link onto your desktop.

Or:

Try Control Panel > Display > Desktop > Customise ...click on the (empty) icon and then click on Restore Default.

Or:

Run chkdsk /f on the drive. It could be a corrupt recycle bin directory that caused it. This will require a reboot though and may take some time - after it's done - another reboot.

Or:

Note that this is removing the recyle bin entirely, rebooting, then deleting something to try and rebuild the recycle bins functionality.

1. Go to > Start > Run > type "cmd.exe" > OK

2. Type

rd /s recycler

-- if you're happy to do this, press Y and go ahead, if not, press N.

If you do, do this, reboot twice, deleting something that isn't important and try again.

If this doesn't work, I'll post instructions on removing the recycle bin with the registry and then bringing it back to its life if you want to try that one - but registry editing can go wrong if you don't keep to the instructions tightly so if not, just say so and I'll see if I can figure anything else out for this.

Hi again. In answer to your question - no, it stays "full".

Have tried your first 3 suggestions as above - but still not resolved problem.

May try the recycle bin removal method after have tried iceman2009's safemode suggestion. If his fix fails, I'll get back to you before trying removing recycle bin via registry.

It certainly is proving a stubborn problem!!

Thanks for your help.

[Hb_Kai]

Even the rd /s recycler command line method?

In that case, yours is certainly corrupt.

[Serpae]

Hi. My problem is that my recycle bin is showing there is something in it on the desktop, but on opening it there is nothing listed. If I try to 'empty recycle bin' I get the message "Are you sure you want to delete WINDOWS?".

What does this mean and is it a known windows bug or anything?

Can anybody help me resolve this problem, please?

I would appreciate any help from anyone.

I am running Windows Xp Pro SP3, I have done a full antivirus scan (using Microsoft Security Essentials) and it showed no infections.

Hello,Serpae, you can try follow steps to fix it, i don't know that can help u, just a suggestions

1. Go to start and click run, then type "msconfig"

2. Click the BOOT.INI tab, and choose /SAFEBOOT and click apply.

Then, you'll be asked to restart your PC. And during the restarting process, you might notice the drivers checking utilities "DO NOT skip them"

3. Once you are running in the safe mode, simply right click the recycle bin to empty it.

4. Do steps 1 and 2 to remove your choice of /SAFEBOOT and restart you're PC.

Thanks for your reply, iceman2009. Tried your suggestion, but hasn't worked for me. Didn't notice any driver-checking utilities. However thanks for assistance. Getting a bit short of possible answers! Think I'll removing the recycle bin & rebuilding it as in Hb_Kai 's last post.

Here's hoping!

[Hb_Kai]

Before I post the instructions, have you ever used TweakUI to do anything with the recycle bin or how Windows manages deleted files?

There have been cases where TweakUI has caused this type of malfunction.

Oh... and there is one more thing you could try beforehand but you will need your SP's installation disc for it:

Open cmd and then type

sfc /scannow

which scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with the correct Microsoft versions.

[Serpae]

Even the rd /s recycler command line method?

In that case, yours is certainly corrupt.

Hi again Hb_Kai . I just tried the rd /s recycler command line method, and on typing 'y' and enter, got the following error message : 'The system cannot find the file specified'.

[Serpae]

Before I post the instructions, have you ever used TweakUI to do anything with the recycle bin or how Windows manages deleted files?

There have been cases where TweakUI has caused this type of malfunction.

No, not to my recollection.

[Hb_Kai]

Did you read my edit? :)

Even the rd /s recycler command line method?

In that case, yours is certainly corrupt.

Hi again Hb_Kai . I just tried the rd /s recycler command line method, and on typing 'y' and enter, got the following error message : 'The system cannot find the file specified'.

and if that doesn't work, try

deltree C:\recycler

but I thought that was Win2k's alternative - it may work on yours though.

[Serpae]

Did you read my edit? :)

Just got it now. When you say SP disk, do you mean Windows installation disk? How does it work - just type in command line first then insert disk? Sorry, bit new to this!

Just tried the "deltree C:\recycler" command line and got an error message, so don't think it works on my pc.

[Hb_Kai]

Yeah, just put the disc in - if an autoplay window comes up, close that and then type it in cmd.

SP disc though, I mean if you're using XP Home SP3 - you need an XP SP3 disc, same for SP1, SP2, Vista Home, XP Pro SP3, etc...

[Serpae]

Oh... and there is one more thing you could try beforehand but you will need your SP's installation disc for it:

Open cmd and then type

sfc /scannow

which scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with the correct Microsoft versions.

Just trying this now - typed in command line, put in SP disk & it's checking windows files now. Fingers crossed! Thanks for your help - I wouldn't have known where to start otherwise!

[Hb_Kai]

Glad to have helped. :) I have had this problem a few times before and it was just as hard fixing it - I'm sure you will get there in the end.

In the meanwhile, just in case, I will post the registry solution for you along with instructions on making a back up which probably should be done before tampering with the registry so if something goes wrong, you have a backup.

[Serpae]

Glad to have helped. :) I have had this problem a few times before and it was just as hard fixing it - I'm sure you will get there in the end.

In the meanwhile, just in case, I will post the registry solution for you along with instructions on making a back up which probably should be done before tampering with the registry so if something goes wrong, you have a backup.

Ok thanks, that'd be great.

[Serpae]

Open cmd and then type

QUOTE

sfc /scannow

which scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with the correct Microsoft versions

Well, have done the above command line & Windows disk file scan/replacement, and after waiting ages, it finally finished.

After a reboot .... oh no!, still the problem with recycle bin remains the same!

So looks as though I'm going to need that registry solution details.

Hope that does the trick.

[Hb_Kai]

Actually, I read some stuff wrong and this may be something you would need to contact Windows Support about...

But there is one thing I've found on the Microsoft Support pages which is...

Right click Recycle Bin > Properties > Display Delete Confirmation.

Or

1. Go to My Computer > C:\

2a. At this point, if you cannot view hidden files go to > Tools > Folder Options > Hidden files and folders > Checkmark the option "View hidden files and folders".

2b. Find the $Recycler.bin file and delete it.

Or here's something I just thought about,

2c. Do the above up to step 2a and find the RECYCLER folder, rename it to something like RECYCLER666

That may cause Windows to replace the current and corrupted recycle bin directory for a brand new one which works.

Another thing is using the Recovery Console but I've got no experience using that and would rather not try to explain something I understand on a forum in case something goes wrong.

I can't find any solution to replacing a recycle bin's corrupt directory other than using the RC - even with the registry editor. Only something that can replace the shortcuts. After looking through the registry myself just now, I still can't. Unless the NukeOnDelete entry works but I've never tried that so I don't know myself but if it does, that won't put deleted items in the Recycle Bin, it just deletes them just like holding SHIFT and deleting an item.

Two more things and I'm totally out of ideas and solutions as I've posted just about all of them I've been able to find. :lol:

System Restore - use this tool to restore your system and its settings to a time prior to this recycle bin directory becoming corrupted.

Use a registry cleaner. This will cleanup your registry. CCleaner has a registry scanner which comes to some recommendations and it also has some other nice functions for cleaning a computer out.

[Serpae]

Actually, I read some stuff wrong and this may be something you would need to contact Windows Support about...

But there is one thing I've found on the Microsoft Support pages which is...

Right click Recycle Bin > Properties > Display Delete Confirmation.

Or

1. Go to My Computer > C:\

2a. At this point, if you cannot view hidden files go to > Tools > Folder Options > Hidden files and folders > Checkmark the option "View hidden files and folders".

2b. Find the $Recycler.bin file and delete it.

Or here's something I just thought about,

2c. Do the above up to step 2a and find the RECYCLER folder, rename it to something like RECYCLER666

That may cause Windows to replace the current and corrupted recycle bin directory for a brand new one which works.

Another thing is using the Recovery Console but I've got no experience using that and would rather not try to explain something I understand on a forum in case something goes wrong.

I can't find any solution to replacing a recycle bin's corrupt directory other than using the RC - even with the registry editor. Only something that can replace the shortcuts. After looking through the registry myself just now, I still can't. Unless the NukeOnDelete entry works but I've never tried that so I don't know myself but if it does, that won't put deleted items in the Recycle Bin, it just deletes them just like holding SHIFT and deleting an item.

Ok, have tried deleting the RECYCLER folder, and on restarting the pc, it has indeed been replaced by a new folder called RECYCLER. However, the same problem remains - still shows 'full' and on emptying shows "Are you sure you want to dlete WINDOWS?" message.

How infuriating!!!!

Well, I thank you for all your assitance and looking for possible solutions for me - I suppose it could be definitely be rectified by a windows reinstall, but I am very reluctant to do this. Takes ages, and very fiddly - not to mention reinstalling all my documents, programs etc. So I shall look on Microsoft's website & maybe look into this Recovery Console you men tion for answers. Failing that - I think I'll just put up with it!!

So, thanks again, very much, and fingers crossed that somehing will turn up on Microsoft's site - or pray for a miracle?!!

PS - Just read your edit - I've tried system restore - not worked, as for CCleaner, that's a good idea. I use that regularly and it's a good program - I'll give that a try.

Thanks again.

[Hb_Kai]

God knows what's wrong with it then... :(

Well, I've just read a bit about the NukeOnDelete registry value I mentioned above and as I thought, it disables the proper use for the recycle bin and replaces a new function which is just to totally delete the file(s) rather than moving it to the recycler directory.

I can post that if that is what you would rather do but as an alternative, go to the following site if you are unable to find anything and from there, you can request for live assistance from Microsoft themselves:

From there you can either get email or phone assistance or live support which is some dude will use the remote assistance tool to take control of your computer and try resolving the issue himself whilst you sit there with a nice cup of tea and watch as he does his job.

I say it's a him, it's always a him... :)

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/assistsupport

but before doing that, you have to select options which you need support for. Select Windows XP on the top left.

And if this is what you do, give them the URL to this thread so they can see what you have already tried so this hurries things up a bit.

Also, if you talk to a Mr. P Singh. Say hi! :D He's a cool dude. :D

[Serpae]

God knows what's wrong with it then... :(

Well, I've just read a bit about the NukeOnDelete registry value I mentioned above and as I thought, it disables the proper use for the recycle bin and replaces a new function which is just to totally delete the file(s) rather than moving it to the recycler directory.

I can post that if that is what you would rather do but as an alternative, go to the following site if you are unable to find anything and from there, you can request for live assistance from Microsoft themselves:

From there you can either get email or phone assistance or live support which is some dude will use the remote assistance tool to take control of your computer and try resolving the issue himself whilst you sit there with a nice cup of tea and watch as he does his job.

I say it's a him, it's always a him... :)

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/assistsupport

but before doing that, you have to select options which you need support for. Select Windows XP on the top left.

And if this is what you do, give them the URL to this thread so they can see what you have already tried so this hurries things up a bit.

Also, if you talk to a Mr. P Singh. Say hi! :D He's a cool dude. :D

Lol. :D :D Ok - thanks for that link & info. I'll try that link & have a try at getting it fixed that way.

Thanks for all the time & trouble you've taken.I do appreciate it- Even if we couldn't find the answer, you've given me a lot of pointers along the way. I hope to get it sorted with Microsoft.

Thanks, and have a good day.

[Hb_Kai]

You're very welcome :D

Sorry I couldn't find a solution that fixed it. Microsoft will though, I'm sure. Let us know how it goes :)