How to Restore My Recycle Bin in Windows Vista

Restore the Recycle Bin to the Vista desktop to view deleted items.

Deleting a folder or file on a Windows Vista computer automatically sends the item to the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin stores a copy of the deleted item until the you permanently erase the item, or until you shut down the computer. This gives you a second chance to rescue an item that you've accidentally deleted. Windows Vista displays the Recycle Bin by default, but if another computer user has removed it you can restore the Recycle Bin with Vista's "Personalization" feature.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button.

2. Select "Control Panel" from the right side of the menu.

3. Click the "Appearance and Personalization" link, then click "Personalization."

4. Click "Change Desktop Icons" in the left menu. This launches the Desktop Icons Settings box.

5. Click the box next to "Recycle Bin" to select and enable the option.

6. Click the "Apply" button to save your changes, then click "OK" to exit the Desktop Icon Settings menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the same procedure to hide the Recycle Bin, but click the checkbox next to Recycle Bin to deselect the option.

References

• Microsoft Windows Vista: Show or Hide Common Items on the Desktop

Resources

• Microsoft Windows Vista: Help and How-To