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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?

DavidPostill
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Lazar
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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 '16 at 15:51
  • @Burgi No worries, hopefully any new voters will choose the right dupe ;) – DavidPostill Jan 13 '16 at 15:56

1 Answers1

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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.

Community
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Leo Chapiro
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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 '16 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?](http://superuser.com/a/368893). "a metadata file is kept in the Recycle Bin to know the original location" – DavidPostill Jan 13 '16 at 14:51
  • Oh, have not knew this, sry, I have edited my answer ... – Leo Chapiro Jan 13 '16 at 14:54