On my Windows XP desktop system, I have the problem that the recycle bin empties itself whenever I open it, i.e. recently deleted items are visible for a second, with each file appearing twice, then they disappear (and this happens only once). Occasionally I'd like to undelete stuff rather than dig out the backups, so it's quite annoying.
This started when I added a second HD, separating the Windows and data partitions onto separate HDs. I did that via a Linux boot CD and the dd tool, and had some problem getting the boot loader to work, but eventually I had what I wanted, except that the data partition E: (now filling the entire second HD) showed up twice in "My Computer", with two different drive letters E: and P: leading to the same file system, and the problem with the recycle bin (which applies only to deleted files from that partition, not C:).
I managed to remove the P: drive letter in the disk manager, but it's still accessible if I enter P: as address in an explorer window and the recycle bin properties show separate configurations for E: and P: – interestingly, the P: drive is not present when I start in safe mode.
The recycle bin problem persists.
Any advice other than reinstalling Windows?
Best Answer
Right-click Recycle Bin -> Properties.
Is the "Space Available" for each of your drives sensible (ie, greater than 0)? If not, change it :)
(And maybe check whether the "Do not move files to the Recycle Bin" item is selected)
Be aware that those settings must be applied for each drive.