Files that I delete are permanently deleted instead of being moved to
the recycle bin...as a result If I find I need them back I have not
option to do so. Previously everything went to the recycle bin.  The
Removable check box in properties is cleared...the icon on the desktop
shows files but when I open it there is nothing there.  deleted files
are showing in C:\recycle..but I am unable to delete from here.  In
trying to find the problem I have had a message that the recycle bin
is corrupt...my question is....How do I get recycle bin back to normal
?

I am running Windows ME  30 gig HD  384mb ram  733mhz

Your files, as you noticed when you looked in C:\Recycle, are not
really being instantly deleted; but the 'info file' that keeps track
of your recycle bin has been corrupted. See the following article
for a tech note explaining how to undo the corruption:

http://www.exchangeadmin.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=15186

I will add that if you are unable to solve the problem just by
following those steps, which is possible if the entire folder is
corrupted, the following steps will do it:

attrib -h -s C:\Recycle\*
attrib -h -s C:\Recycle
deltree C:\Recycle

Windows Me will automatically recreate C:\Recycle after a short
interval, or certainly after a reboot.

(I'm using the name of your recycle folder as you gave it; make sure
to use the correct folder name as found on your computer.)

If you hit any snags, please request clarification and give as
many details as possible.

Have you tried right-clicking the recycle bin, choose the "Global"
tab, and then unselect "Do not move files to the Recylce bin"?
secret901

tengo123, I've had the problem where the recycling bin would show
files and there would be nothing in there. It can be fixed. To get
your recyling bin back to normal follow secret901's suggestion so you
can "delete" (really just move) files to the recyling bin and then do
this to clear the icon:

1. Right Click on the Desktop in the background and choose new Text
File.

2. Left (normal) click on the background of the desktop again to get
rid of the prompt to name the file you just created.

3. Now drag that file into the recycling bin and choose yes when it
says "Confirm File Delete".

4. The file should be in the recycling bin now.

5. Right click on the recycling bin and choose empty recycling bin.

6. The icon should now show an empty recycling bin. If it does not,
and it tells you that it cannot delete a certain file because that
file is in use, then you need to restart and possibly repeat steps 1-5
one more time.

That should help fix the Recycling Bin for you :)

Hi,
this is happen to me ...
i try anything .... and nothing fixed it ...(i'm a Technician)
the problem is in the FAT on the HD ...
the only options to fix this problem is to format your computer and
reinstall the windows OS
if you will not, future you will notice that this folder is getting
bigger and bigger ....
i will hope this will help you ....
Have fun ...
Rotem Bar