when you throw away paper files and folders, you take them from the file cabinet and put them in a trash can. eventually the trash can is emptied.

    in windows, you throw away files and folders by first moving them to windows trash can, called the recycle bin, where they remain until you decide to empty the bin.

    you can recover any file in the recycle bin as long as the bin has not been emptied.

    to delete files or folders:

    1 in my computer or windows explorer, click the files or folders that you want to delete. for instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see "shortcuts" on page 62.

    2 click file, then click delete. windows moves the files and folders to the recycle bin.

    to recover files or folders from the recycle bin:

    1 double-click the recycle bin icon. the recycle bin window opens and lists the files and folders you have thrown away since you last emptied it.

    2 click the files or folders that you want to restore. for instructions on how to select multiple files and folders, see "shortcuts" on page 62.

    3 click file, then click restore. windows returns the deleted files or folders to their original locations.

    to empty the recycle bin:

    emptying the recycle bin permanently erases any files or folders in the bin. these files cannot be restored. 1 double-click the recycle bin icon on the desktop. the recycle bin window opens.

    2 click file, then click empty recycle bin. windows asks you if you are sure that you want to empty the bin.

    3 click yes. windows permanently deletes all files in the recycle bin.