Missing recycle bin icon after using disk cleanup... easy to fix... but WHY does it keep happening.

Question

I know the dissapearing bin icon is a common issue, but does anyone knowwhy it happens.

To fix it, the only thing that works is to reallocate different icons, apply, then allocate the correct ones.

 The bin will function normally after doing this but at some future point... hours, days, or a week or two, and it does it again. As mentioned in the thread title, even disk cleanup can make it vanish.

It certainly seems to be a "Vista" thing lol.

Running Vista hp32 bit, recent clean install, only windows utilities/housekeeping tools used. No 3rd party tweaky stuff ;)

Is there a definitive answer for this ?

Answer 1

Run the Vista System File Checker Tool:

http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2231/vista_run_system_file_checker/

1. Open a Command Window in Administrator mode:

* click Start

* click All Programs, then Accessories

* right click on the Command Promptoption,

* on the drop down menu which appears, click on the Run as Administratoroption.

* If you haven’t disabled User Account Control (and you shouldn’t!) you will be asked for authorisation. Click the Continue button if you are the administrator or insert the administrator password.

2. Start the System File Checker

* In the Command Prompt window, type: sfc /scannow,

* press Enter.

* You’ll see “the system scan will begin”.

The scan may take some time and windows will repair/replace any corrupt or missing files. You will be asked to insert your Vista DVD if it’s needed.

Close the Command Prompt Window when the job is finished.

One caveat: you need a Windows DVD to enable SFC to make more than minor repairs.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/928228

“How to analyze the log file entries that the Microsoft Windows Resource Checker (SFC.exe) program generates in Windows Vista”

If SFC finds serious errors it can not fix, you may have to do a Vista Repair Upgrade Install.  

If you do not have a Microsoft Vista DVD, borrow one from a friend.  

Read this Tutorial on how to do a Repair Install:  

[http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html](http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-vista.html)

Cheers.

* * *

Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner

Answer 2

Just to add a bit more to this... I haven't found a definitive answer but have "noted" this behaviour.

The problem doesn't occur if I use disc cleanup or empty the bin under a session that has seen no activity deleting files to the bin etc. In other words the PC is booted from cold and disc cleanup etc run during that session without using the bin.

The problem seems to occur if I say delete something, then empty the bin all in the same session, and almost guaranteed if I then put something new in the bin in that same session... weird and with no real reason for that but it does seem true.

Answer 3

Have found that when it dissapears just right clicking the desktop and refresh brings it back... 'till the next time.

Answer 4

Thanks Michael... I've looked at the manual fix you described earlier... but thanks. 

I find the bin is always already "ticked" but the icon is still missing from the desktop.

If I do a reboot the bin reappears, but dissapears again immediately anything is put in the bin. Running disk cleanup causes the bin icon to vanish in the first place... however the bin itself is still fully functional. It is just the icon that's the problem. 

As mentioned the only "cure" seems to be to actually apply any different icons to the full and empty bin, then apply the correct ones.

This is a clean install of Vista on a freshly formatted drive and it has the problem from the start. My old XP to Vista upgrade (on this PC) also did the same thing occasionally.

Answer 5

A lot of people, including myself, have never had any problems with the Recycle Bin in Vista.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/810869

To fix this issue in Windows Vista, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Appearance and Personalization, click Personalization, and then click Change desktop icons.
3. Click to select the Recycle Bin check box, and then click OK.
4. Cheers.

---

Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner