Thursday, February 14, 2013

Tip #14 - Permanently Deleting Files


100 Computer Tips in 100 Days

Tip #14 - Permanently Deleting Files


I think that almost everyone knows that they can delete files by dragging them to the recycle bin OR selecting them and pressing the Delete key OR right clicking on them and choosing Delete. But where do they go? They go into the Recycle Bin (Trash Can) and periodically you need to empty that. Let's assume that you have a document that you REALLY didn't want to have on your computer any longer and want to permanently delete it in one action. You can and here's how.

Select the file by clicking on it. Hold down the Shift key and tap the Delete key. A little window will pop up asking if you are REALLY sure you want to PERMANENTLY delete this file. Click Yes if you really do.
BTW, try this in your email program. It generally works there too. You can delete emails without sending them to the Trash folder.

Since we’re talking about trash, if you’re tired of being asked if you’re sure you want to put something in the trash every time you delete something, here’s another good tip. Right click on the Recycle Bin and left click on Properties.  Uncheck “Display delete confirmation dialog”. Now you can delete without that annoying “are you sure” prompt. Whew!


Happy Computing! See you tomorrow. - Diane

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