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I am interested to know, in which location and format are files stored when we put them in Recycle Bin? And when we delete them, where they go?

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  • @DavidPostill I think you might be right based on the OPs comments to the current answer here. Unfortunately I can't change my dupe flag destination.
    – Burgi
    Jan 13, 2016 at 15:51
  • @Burgi No worries, hopefully any new voters will choose the right dupe ;)
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 13, 2016 at 15:56

1 Answer 1

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Open Windows Explorer and enter:

C:\$Recycle.Bin

You'll see hidden directories named \$Recycle.Bin\%SID%, where %SID% is the SID of the user that performed the deletion.

If you delete the file from Recycle Bin, his handle will be deleted from the File Allocation Table / Master File Table (the file itself will NOT be deleted!).

If you defrag your hard disk, the file will be deleted finally :)

[EDITED]

About a format of the files in the Bin please take a look:

The reference is removed, a metadata file is kept in the Recycle Bin to know the original location.

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  • And whats the format of deleted files in that $Resycle.Bin directory? Does it also uses our HDD space even if it is deleted?
    – Lazar
    Jan 13, 2016 at 13:51
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    @duDE That comment (and parts of your answer) are not correct. See this answer How does the Recycle Bin work?. "a metadata file is kept in the Recycle Bin to know the original location"
    – DavidPostill
    Jan 13, 2016 at 14:51
  • Oh, have not knew this, sry, I have edited my answer ... Jan 13, 2016 at 14:54

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