XL: Deleting Files in Excel Does Not Send Files to Recycle Bin

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c, 4.0, 4.0a

SYMPTOMS

When you use the built-in Delete command on the File menu in the versions of Microsoft Excel that are listed at the beginning of this article, the files you delete are not sent to the Recycle Bin. However, the files are permanently deleted. Note that Microsoft Excel confirms whether you want to delete the files but does not give you the option to send the files to the Recycle Bin.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when you use the built-in Delete command on the File menu in Microsoft Excel under Microsoft Windows 95 or Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.

WORKAROUND

To workaround this behavior, delete the file by using one of the following methods.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Windows Explorer

To use Windows Explorer to work around this behavior, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer by clicking Start, pointing to Programs, and then clicking Windows Explorer.

2. In the left pane of Windows Explorer, open the folder that contains the files you want to delete.

   The files in that folder appear on the right.

3. In the right pane of Windows Explorer, select the file that you want to send to the Recycle Bin. On the File menu, click Delete.

   You are prompted whether to send the file to the Recycle Bin.

4. Click Yes.

Method 2: Using My Computer

To use My Computer to work around this behavior, follow these steps:

1. Double-click My Computer on the desktop.

2. Double-click the drive you are working with, and then double- click the folder that contains the files you want to delete.

3. Select the file that you want to send to the Recycle Bin.

4. On the File menu, click Delete.

   You are prompted whether to send the file to the Recycle Bin.

5. Click Yes.

STATUS

This behavior is by design of Microsoft Excel.

REFERENCES

Windows

For more information about sending files to the Recycle Bin, click the Index tab in Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT Help, type the following text

   recycle bin

Microsoft Excel

For more information about deleting files or folders, click the Index tab in Microsoft Excel Help, type the following text

   deleting, files or folders

Version           : WINDOWS:4.0,4.0a,5.0,5.0c
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb
Solution Type     : kbworkaround