Windows XP copies files I'm trying to delete

[jensobri]

When I have selected files to delete (send to the recycling bin) Windows XP automatically copies the files and keeps a copy of that file.  So I have hundreds of copies of files that are taking up memory.  Does anyone know how to disable this feature so that when I delete something, it does not get a copy made and kept?  Thanks for any help!

[Broni]

What types of files you're deleting?
How do you know, Windows makes any copies of them? Where?

[jensobri]

It is in the My Pictures folder with JPG files.  Say  I delete a JPG file called "Santa pic", the original JPG file goes into the recycle bin, but then I find a file called "copy of Santa pic" in the My Pictures folder.  If I try to delete that copy, it will go away and I will find "copy 2 of Santa pic" in the My Pictures folder.  It's quite maddening.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Broni]

Ha, that's the very first time, I've ever heard about such problem.

Download HijackThis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
by clicking on Download HijackThis Installer
Install, and run it.
Post HijackTHis log.
Do NOT attempt to fix anything!

NOTE. If you're using Vista, right click on HijackThis, and click Run as Administrator

[2x3i5x]

that's a funny problem!  Just curious though, does this happen in safe mode?

[jensobri]

No, it doesn't happen in safe mode, happens all the time.  I'm wanting to transfer alot of pics to CD, but don't want to upload to my computer, because I can never get rid of them.

[Broni]

What about that HJT log?

[BC_Programmer]

No, it doesn't happen in safe mode, happens all the time.

Is that not self-contradictory?

[jensobri]

Obviously I don't know what safe mode is-could you explain that to me?

[jensobri]

What about that HJT log?

I have no idea what that is-I am obviously at a much more beginner level than I thought when it comes to computers.  I need lots more explanations, please.

[Broni]

I have no idea what that is

My reply #3.

[jensobri]

I still don't know what that means.  What is Highjack This and what does it do to my computer?

[Broni]

It let me see, whats' running on your computer, and maybe what's wrong with it.

[2x3i5x]

http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html

get it here and read that little publisher's description so you know what it is....  but basically it lists what's on your computer and with the assistance of malware specialists, they can help you fix your pc.

[posse14]

Only hit the copy button ONCE, if you hold down the key, it will keep making copies..I know I had to delete hundreds of photos until I found the problem.

[bmorgie]

I have the same problem as jensobri with copies of deleted files/photos appearing,  especially in My Pictures.  The blog didn't offer any help.  Does anyone know what to do about this?  Please and thank you. 

[bmorgie]

I got this info from a friend.  Tried it and it works!
good luck. 

What's actually happening is that when you "delete" a file, the file is actually MOVED to the Recycle Bin folder.
 
That's done so you can un-delete a file you deleted by mistake.
 
If you open the Recycle Bin, select one or more files that are in the bin, and press the Delete key, those files will be permanently deleted.
 
You can completely  EMPTY the recycle bin at any time.  Either open it and then choose Empty Recycle Bin from the File menu, or just right click on the Recycle Bin icon and choose Empty Recycle Bin from the pop-up menu that appears.
 
 
To delete a file and bypass sending it to the Recycle Bin, you can use either of two methods:
 
1. Select the file(s) to delete.  Hold down the Shift key while pressing the Delete key.  A popup window will ask you to confirm the delete.
 
2. Right click on the selected file(s).  Hold down the shift key while click the Delete option from the popup menu that appears.    A popup window will ask you to confirm the delete.
 
Once you OK the delete, the selected files will be completely deleted.