Auslogics Blog

Sometimes the Recycle Bin in Windows 7 gets corrupted and becomes pretty much unusable – it just won’t let you empty it. Fortunately, there is a quick and easy fix, which will let you reset the Recycle bin.

First of all you’ll need to make hidden and protected files and folders visible. Here’s how:

1. Click Start and go to Computer
2. Then press Alt on your keyboard to open the Menu
3. Go to Tools - Folder Options - the View tab
4. There you’ll need to find Hidden files and folders and select Show hidden files and folders
5. You will also need to uncheck Hide protected operating system files
6. Click OK to save your settings

Now you are ready to reset the Recycle Bin.

1. Go to Computer and then go to the drive where Windows is installed (usually it’s C:/)
2. Locate $Recycle.Bin and delete it
3. Confirm and click Continue if UAC prompts you so
4. Now you should get a dialog box. There you’ll need to check Do this for all current items checkbox and then click Yes
5. Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.

The Recycle Bin should be working normally now.