How to Delete Deleted Files From the Hard Drive

When you delete a file from your Windows computer, the file is not actually deleted from the hard drive. The Windows operating system stores deleted files in the Recycle Bin folder. To completely remove a deleted file, you need to empty the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin is usually located on your Windows desktop.

Instructions

1. Double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop. An explorer window containing the Recycle Bin folder appears.

2. Click on the file that you want to permanently delete. A "Delete File" dialog appears with the prompt "Are you sure you want to permanently delete this file?"

3. Click on the "Yes" button to confirm the operation. The file is permanently deleted from your computer.

4. To empty the Recycle Bin and remove all deleted files, click on the "Empty the Recycle Bin" icon. A "Delete Multiple Items" dialog appears with the prompt, "Are you sure you want to permanently delete all of these items?"

5. Click on the "Yes" button to confirm the operation. The Recycle Bin is now emptied.

References

• Microsoft Windows 7: Permanently Delete Files from the Recycle Bin
• Microsoft Windows Vista: Permanently Delete Files from the Recycle Bin