Files stuck in my recycle bin

Question

I'm running Windows XP on my Dell Dimension Desktop.  I've been moving a lot of files around and deleting a bunch to free up disk space.  Now it seems that some of those files are 'stuck' in my recycle bin.  The Recycle Bin icon appears to have files in it, but when I open it there is nothing there.  But when I try and empty it, it does not allow me to, displaying the error: 'Cannot remove folder Df3.05: The directory is not empty.'   I have two hard drives, and this Df3.05 folder appears to be located on my F: drive.  I've tried to delete the directory from a command prompt, but the error tells me to run chkdsk.  When I try, it tells me chkdsk is not available for RAW drives.   Does anyone have an idea what's going on & how I can fix this?   Thanks!!!

hrova · Answer

This free utility may help. It is called Eraser, and has been able to erase things I could not otherwise delete. If you install it, simply right click on the Recycle Bin and Choose Erase Recycle Bin.

http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/features.php

Hope that helps.

100mph · Answer

The native Windows Disk Cleanup (Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup) and CleanUp! may be (?) helpful too:

http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/download.html

Also try all these in Safe Mode ..

Good Luck!

joeroberts · Answer

thanks for the help, but unfortunately the problem still exists. it appears that a couple of files on my hard drive are corrupt, and that is preventing the 'eraser' program from being able to delete them. i've also tried 'moveonboot' and didn't have any luck either.

msil217 · Answer

Run Chkdisk. Then see if that helps. Also, if yout have more than one Hard-drive and/or partition, will need to run chkdsk and disk cleanup on them too. Good luck!!!

joeroberts · Answer

chkdsk did the trick.  i was able to delete the files in question after running it.  but there is still something wrong - my drive has about 25% of

joeroberts · Answer

chkdsk did the trick! Thanks!

Still something wrong with my drive though. I have about 25% of the disk space available, but it's still very slow and temperamental. I get random I/O handler errors every so often too. I use the drive almost exclusively to store mp3 files. I just read that mp3 files, Windows XP, and a FATS file system are not a good combo. So I'm about ready to declare defeat, buy a new drive, format with NTFS, and copy all my files over.

Thanks for everyone's help!

Windows General

Files stuck in my recycle bin

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