How to Restore Hidden Recycle Bin

The recycle bin holds all your deleted files. This is a temporary holding bin and gives you a second chance to keep any files you may have mistakenly deleted. Normally, you find the recycle bin on the desktop for easy access. However, what happens when the recycle bin disappears from your desktop? If, for whatever reason, the recycle bin disappears, it can be restored.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

For XP Computers

1. Click Start > Run.

2. Type "regedit" in the Open box to open the registry.

3. Find the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace.

4. Right click the folder from Step 3 and choose New > Key.

5. Type {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} as the new key and press Enter.

6. Click the newly created key and double click the Default entry in the right side pane. Type "Recycle Bin" in the Value Data string box in the Edit String dialog box.

7. Click OK and exit the registry editor.

For Vista Computers

8. Click Start > Control Panel.

9. Click Appearance and Personalization > Personalization > Change Desktop Icons.

10. Check the Recycle Bin check box. Click OK.

Tips & Warnings

• If you used a program to remove the recycle bin icon, check that program’s help to restore any hidden or removed icons.
• Copy and paste the registry key to prevent mistyping anything.
• Always be careful when editing the registry. Backup the registry before making any changes.