Hidden files in /Recycler

  • Thread starter Thread starter Don Phillipson
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Don Phillipson

New to XP (I have just been given a neighbor's discarded
laptop) . . .
1. The Recyc Bin is called /Recycler -- is that right?

2. My / Recycler contains a (hidden directory) called
NPROTECT containing 352 Mb of files, dated 2001 to
2006. Is it safe to delete the whole subfolder?

3. This laptop has no NTBACKUP modules and instead
has routines called System Restore. Is this normal for laptops?
(The two WinXP instal disks are in some proprietory format,
one big file each, and I believe the online manual says their
installation includes a reformat: this is why I don't think I
should try to copy NTBACKUP from them: but perhaps I
do not need to.)
 
Don Phillipson said:
New to XP (I have just been given a neighbor's discarded
laptop) . . .
1. The Recyc Bin is called /Recycler -- is that right?

2. My / Recycler contains a (hidden directory) called
NPROTECT containing 352 Mb of files, dated 2001 to
2006. Is it safe to delete the whole subfolder?

3. This laptop has no NTBACKUP modules and instead
has routines called System Restore. Is this normal for laptops?
(The two WinXP instal disks are in some proprietory format,
one big file each, and I believe the online manual says their
installation includes a reformat: this is why I don't think I
should try to copy NTBACKUP from them: but perhaps I
do not need to.)
Click to expand...

1. Yes.

2. Check your laptop's Start menu for a product called Norton System Works or
Norton Utilities. The NTPROTECT folder is created by a component of those suites
called Norton Protected Recycle Bin. To empty the folder, take a look at this
article from Symantec's web site.

How to empty the Norton Protected Recycle Bin
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPOR...d483ad644ae1e6c585256ee50056c8bc?OpenDocument

If you have any other question on this topic, you might want to consult
Symantec's support site for more info. I don't use their products so I cannot
help you with them.

Norton Technical Support
http://www.symantec.com/norton/support/selectproduct_ts.jsp

3. Ntbackup is Microsoft's backup utility. It comes installed by default on XP
Pro. On XP Home Edition, it can be installed from the installation CD.

HOW TO: Install Backup from the CD-ROM in Windows XP Home Edition
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302894/

If you don't have an actual XP installation CD, take a look at this web site for
information on how you can download a copy of the ntbackup installation file.

Installing the Backup Program on the Home Version
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/windowsxp_tips.htm#backup_home

While ntbackup is useful in backing up data files, keep in mind that you
probably won't be able to use it to back up directly to CDs.

Windows Backup does not back up to CD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-R devices
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315255

If you're serious about backing up your system, you might want to consider
investing in an imaging program such as Acronis True Image or Norton Ghost. An
external USB hard drive is also worth considering as a storage location for your
backups.

Finally, Windows XP included a feature called System Restore. It's accessible
through the Start menu under Accessories -> System Tools. It is not intended to
reinstall the operating system.

I believe you're referring to a feature that the laptop manufacturer included to
restore the system to the state it was in when it left the factory. That would
account for specialized installation discs.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
2. Check your laptop's Start menu for a product called Norton System Works
or Norton Utilities. The NTPROTECT folder is created by a component of
those suites called Norton Protected Recycle Bin. To empty the folder,
take a look at this article from Symantec's web site.

How to empty the Norton Protected Recycle Bin
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPOR...d483ad644ae1e6c585256ee50056c8bc?OpenDocument
Click to expand...

No go, because there was no Norton software on
this laptop when I was given it (and Symantec data
deals only with using it.)

In earlier Windows OSs, if /Recycled Bin was deleted
(as can be done in a DOS box) a new empty one is
created at the next reboot. Does this work in WinXP
i.e. if I DELTREE (in DOS) C:/recyc*.*
will XP make me a new (empty) /Recyler
at the next reboot ?
 
Don Phillipson said:
No go, because there was no Norton software on
this laptop when I was given it (and Symantec data
deals only with using it.)

In earlier Windows OSs, if /Recycled Bin was deleted
(as can be done in a DOS box) a new empty one is
created at the next reboot. Does this work in WinXP
i.e. if I DELTREE (in DOS) C:/recyc*.*
will XP make me a new (empty) /Recyler
at the next reboot ?
Click to expand...


With respect to your not finding any Norton software on your computer, it's
possible that the previous owner uninstalled the software. Norton's products are
notorious for being difficult to completely remove.

That said, you can attempt to delete the Recycler folder by doing the following.

Go to Start -> Run and enter cmd.exe in the Open box.
This should open a command prompt window.
Enter the following command at the prompt.

rd C:\Recycler /s

Hit the Y key when asked if you want to remove the folder.
Restart you computer.
Once the computer restarts, click on the Recycle bin icon on your Desktop.
This should create a new C:\Recycler folder.

Note: MS-DOS is not a part of Windows XP. You can launch a command prompt window
which is similar to working in the DOS environment. Many of the same commands
that worked in DOS are also available in XP but DELTREE is not one of them. For
a listing of available commands, take a look at this article from Microsoft.

Command-line reference A-Z
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490890.aspx

The same info is available through Help and Support on your Start menu.

Good luck

Nepatsfan
 
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