Files Deleted at MS-DOS Prompt Do Not Go to Recycle Bin

• Microsoft Windows 95
• Microsoft Windows 98
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you delete a file when working at an MS-DOS prompt or in a non-Windows shell application (such as File Manager), the file is not placed in the Recycle Bin and it cannot be restored (undeleted).

CAUSE

Recycle Bin is a Windows shell application; it tracks deletions from within the Windows shell only. 16-bit applications and MS-DOS-based applications do not report deletions to Recycle Bin.

RESOLUTION

To avoid this problem, delete the file from Windows Explorer, My Computer, or another Windows shell application. This ensures that deleted files are available to be restored from the Recycle Bin.

Additional query words: command prompt wastebasket

Keywords          : kbenv win95 winshell winnt 
Version           : 95 4.00 98
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb 

Last Reviewed: January 14, 1999