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

 Last reviewed: August 7, 1996
Article ID: Q120681
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • 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 95 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 95 shell application; it tracks deletions from within the Windows 95 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 95 shell application. This ensures that deleted files are available to be restored from the Recycle Bin.

KBCategory: kbusage kbenv kbui
KBSubcategory: svrwksta ntui prodnt wpp95 win95 winshell
Additional reference words: 95 command prompt wastebasket

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Last reviewed: August 7, 1996
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