THE RECYCLE BIN (WINDOWS 98/ME/XP)

1) To delete a file, folder, or icon in Windows Explorer or on the "desktop" (where all of your program icons are on the main screen in Windows 98?ME/XP), click once on it, then press the Delete key on the keyboard.

2) This will send the file, folder, or icon to the Recycle Bin.

3) To see the file, folder, or icon in the Recycle Bin, double-click on the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop or in Windows Explorer (you may have to scroll down to see it).

TO EMPTY THE RECYCLE BIN:

1) Click on the Recycle Bin on the desktop with the right mouse button and then click on Empty Recycle Bin.

2) You can restore the file, folder, or icon to its original location by clicking once on its icon in the Recycle Bin, then click on File, then on Restore. (Note: You cannot open a file to look at it by double-clicking on it while it is still in the Recycle Bin; you must restore it to its original location first.)

TO PERMANENTLY DELETE A FILE:

1) Click on the file, folder, or icon in Windows Explorer or on the desktop.

2) While holding down the Shift key on the keyboard, press the Delete key once. (You will see a small red circular warning sign under a picture of a folder and a document.)

3) Click on Yes.

Note: You cannot double-click on the Recycle Bin and restore this file, folder, or icon. You need a special "Undelete" program to bring back this file, folder, or icon (but even this doesn't always work.)