Restoring All Icons to View, Including the "Recycling Bin"

• 1). Look at the Windows desktop for icons. If there are no icons in view, proceed to Step 2. If the only icon missing is the "Recycle Bin", skip to section 2, Step 1.
  
  
• 2). Right-click in an empty area on the desktop and highlight the "Arrange Icons By" menu. The resulting menu will display several options including one labeled "Show Desktop Icons". If a check is shown next to it, move to section 2, Step 1. If not, continue to Step 3.
  
  
• 3). Click the "Show Desktop Icons" option and the menu will disappear. After a few seconds the desktop should display "Recycle Bin" icon and any others placed there previously.
  
  

Download the Microsoft "Fix It" Tool

• 1). Download the Microsoft "Fix It" tool. See the Resources section below to download the tool.
  
  
• 2). Double-click the file to install it and click "Run". The "Microsoft Software License Terms" window will open.
  
  
• 3). After reading the terms, click "I Agree" and then click "Next". The tool will finish installing.
  
  
• 4). Close the remaining window and reboot the computer to allow the new settings to take effect. In most cases, the "Recycle Bin" will be restored once this tool is successfully installed.
  
  

Restoring the "Recycle Bin" Icon by Creating a Shortcut

• 1). Double-click the "My Computer" icon.
  
  
• 2). Click the "Tools" menu at the top of the window.
  
  
• 3). Select the "Folder Options" menu.
  
  
• 4). Click the "View" tab.
  
  
• 5). Uncheck the box next to the option labeled "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" in the "Advanced Settings:" pane. A warning message will pop up. Click "Yes" and close the "Folder Options" window.
  
  
• 6). Click the "Folders" button on the tool-bar near the top of the "My Computer" window that remains open. If the "Folders" button is not visible, click the "View" menu at the top of the window and highlight the "Toolbars" option with the mouse cursor. A new menu will slide open with an option for "Standard Buttons". Click the option labeled "Standard Buttons". The "Folders" button should now be visible.
  
  
• 7). Minimize the "My Computer" window (if maximized) to be able to see both the desktop and "My Computer windows simultaneously.
  
  
• 8). Locate the "Recycle Bin" icon in the left-hand portion of the window. Left-click, drag, and drop the "Recycle Bin" icon to the desktop screen. A "Recycle Bin" shortcut is now placed on the desktop for use.