With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft removed something we had all gotten quite used to.  I expect they were just trying to minimize the number of warnings and questions that pop up constantly as we use Windows computers.

WINDOWS USED TO CHECK WITH US BEFORE DELETING FILES!

When you delete a file or folder with control-x, the DELETE key, or by right-clicking a file or folder and selecting DELETE, Windows would prompt up with an “Are you sure you want to move this to the Recycle Bin” message.  Apparently they felt like that message was something people would not miss.  Well, they were wrong.  I have restored this functionality for clients who were disturbed that they were able to delete entire folders without even realizing it.

HOW CAN WE MAKE WINDOWS ACT LIKE IT USED TO – CONFIRMING DELETION OF FILES AND FOLDERS?

The solution is incredibly simple.

Step 1. Simply click on the RECYCLE BIN on your desktop with the right button (right-click) and a menu will appear. Select PROPERTIES from that menu.

Step 2. Once the recycle bin properties window is open, simply check the box that says “Display delete confirmation dialog” and hit OK to save your settings.

Step 3.  Test that it works by deleting an unneeded file from your computer.  If it doesn’t work, try restarting the computer, then try again.  If it still doesn’t work repeat these steps to make sure the check box got marked successfully.