Restore Recycle Bin in Windows XP Pro

Have you accidentally removed the beloved recycle bin from your desktop? Need it back, quick? There are a couple of different ways to restore your recycle bin easily.

Steps

Using Desktop Properties

  1. Right-click the desktop. Select 'Properties'.
  2. Select the 'Desktop' tab from the pop-up window. Then choose 'Customize Desktop'.
  3. Select the 'Recycle Bin (Empty)' choice. Then pick 'Restore Default'.
  4. Repeat this for the 'Recycle Bin (Full)' option.

Using the Registry Editor

  1. Head to Start. Select 'Run' from the All Programs option. Then, type regedit into the text box provided.
  2. This will load up the Registry Editor. Navigate to the following directory: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace.
  3. Right click the 'NameSpace' key. Then hit 'New' and then 'Key'.
  4. Type {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} into the key field. This will create a new registry key.
  5. Click the new key, and double click 'Default'. Then, type 'Recycle Bin' into the field. You have successfully restored the Recycle Bin.

Tips

  • Only try the second option if you're experienced with computing, or if the first option fails.

Warnings

  • Make sure you follow the steps provided for the second method, or you may end up deleting other registry keys.

Sources and Citations

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