It is not easy to locate the Recycle Bin on the hard disk drive due to the fact that it is hidden from view. Do not worry as there are at least two ways that you can locate the Recycle Bin.

Using Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe)
1. Left-click the Windows Explorer shortcut under Accessories.
2. Left-click the Organize button on the top left.
3. Left-click the Folder and Search Options in the drop-down list.
4. Navigate the the View tab in the Folders Option.
5. Add a check to Show hidden Files and folders.
6. Remove the check from Hide protected OS files.

You should now see the contents (if any) of the Recycle Bin.

Using the Registry Editor (Regedit.exe)
01. Left-click the Start Button when from the Desktop.
02. Type regedit in the Run/Start Search box.
03. Wait for the Registry Editor window to open.
04. Double-click on the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder.
05. Double-click on the SOFTWARE folder.
06. Double-click on the Microsoft folder.
07. Double-click on the Windows NT folder.
08. Double-click on the CurrentVersion folder.
09. Double-click on the ProfileList folder.
10. Scroll through the listed key there paying attention to ProfileImagePath.
11. Now copy the key name that mentions the ProfileImagePath foler.
12. Navigate to C:\$Recycle.Bin in Windows Explorer.
14. Now paste the key name to the end of C:\$Recycle.Bin\

You should now see the contents (if any) of the Recycle Bin.

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Stephan Pringle

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About The Author: Stephan Pringle is an Information Technology Specialist. He covers hardware and software and provides tips for you to troubleshoot and repair issues on your own. In his spare time, he writes articles about the State of New York on his Hackintosh and HackBook and that has helped him to become the top contributor of the New York City section of Yahoo! Answers.

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