How to Get the Trash Bin Icon Back

The "trash bin" icon is the shortcut to your Windows Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin is a small application that stores deleted files on your computer. When you press the "Delete" button on a file, the file actually isn't removed from your machine. Instead, Windows sends it to the Recycle Bin, where you can retrieve and restore it in the future. If you've accidentally deleted the Recycle Bin shortcut icon, you can restore it using the personalization settings in Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel." In the Control Panel, double-click the "Appearance and Personalization" icon.

2. Click the "Personalization" link. This opens a new window with a list of options. On the left side of the new window, click the "Change desktop icons" link.

3. Check the box labeled "Recycle Bin." You can also add other icons to the desktop, including the "Computer," "Network," "Control Panel" and your personal user file directory.

4. Click the "OK" button to close the personalization menu. On your desktop, a new icon appears, labeled "Recycle Bin."

References

• Microsoft: Show/Hide Recycle Bin