What are the rules governing XP Recycle Bin

Derek January 13, 2011 at 04:25:06

Right click bin and select Properties. Set the slider to what you require. We all live on a ball.

LMiller7 January 13, 2011 at 04:32:00

By default Windows will keep adding deleted files to the recycle bin until the configured maximum of 10% of the drive capacity is reached but this may be reduced if the drive is very full. When the limit is reached then files will be deleted, starting with the oldest. The limit can be easily seen and changed from the recycle bin properties on the desktop. There is no supported way to tell when the recycle bin was last emptied.

terrypin January 13, 2011 at 04:46:40

Thanks both. I'd forgotten about the slider. I've now increased it from 10 to 12% but on re-opening, although the 12% has stuck, the value of 3.99 GB hasn't changed. Maybe needs a reboot? BTW, 10% of my 750 GB HD, or around 690 GB actual, is a lot more than 4 GB, which is puzzling. Is it perhaps 10% of whatever space is left? Those rules now make sense of the behaviour I'm seeing. -- Terry, East Grinstead, UK

wanderer January 13, 2011 at 06:54:31

run chkdsk /f on the drive to check for disk corruption Answers are only as good as the information you provide. How to properly post a question: Sorry no tech support via PM's

Derek January 13, 2011 at 07:29:31

Seem to recall it is subject to a maximum because mine (found set at 10% of 232G) is also indicating 3.99G capacity. If I find anything I'll look back. EDIT: Seems I was right, see this: http://www.pcauthorities.com/window...

mickliq January 13, 2011 at 07:29:41

The Recycle Bin is NOT a storage bin. It's for garbage & as such should be emptied regularly. Why would you even want/need a capacity of 69GB let alone 85GB? I have mine set at 3%.

Derek January 13, 2011 at 08:35:28

Yes, it would seem a huge requirement to me too, if that's the case. See my EDIT to #5. We all live on a ball.

mickliq January 13, 2011 at 13:29:59

So it appears to be a 32-bit thing? Nice find Derek.

likelystory January 13, 2011 at 14:07:25

To be honest I knew about the slider setting not the limit on 32 bit systems but had never paid either any attention as I put things in the recycle bin I intend to delete now not maybe in a few days or whatever. I keep the default of sending it to the recycle bin on the outside chance I click on the wrong file or something but that's it. I empty the bin many times a day almaost every time I put something in it I then empty it. Likely

Derek January 13, 2011 at 15:07:12

I guess we were all rusting away on that limit LOL. Not even a DVD's worth. We all live on a ball.

terrypin January 13, 2011 at 23:22:06

Thanks Derek, that explains it. mickliq: You're presumably not into making DVDs. A single video file can easily exceed 4 GB. During a project I might be referring to and moving, copying and deleting (deliberately or inadvertently) 50-100 GB of files. One reason I have two 750 GB internal and a 1 TB external drive. But I won't therefore tell you that you're doing it all wrong and should really be configuring your PC the same as I do! -- Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Derek January 14, 2011 at 04:19:28

terrypin Hey, we aint that far away - I'm from Meopham Kent UK. We all live on a ball.

terrypin January 14, 2011 at 08:50:05

And as you say in your sig... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGW5... -- Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Derek January 14, 2011 at 09:19:46

Err...was there a video link intended (it went to YouTube sign-in)? We all live on a ball.

terrypin January 14, 2011 at 09:47:41

Looks like it somehow defaulted to Private mode. I've changed it to Public, so hopefully viewable now. Sorry about that. -- Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Derek January 14, 2011 at 09:55:00

Yeah, kinda puts things into perspective - then you think of the uninverse etc. Life seems to be "all balls" (right down to the atom). We all live on a ball.