Hiding the recycle bin in Windows XP -- can't do it in TweakUI?

from WinCustomize Forums
I just switched over to ObjectDock and for the first time ever am enjoying an empty desktop. I have one problem: I can't get rid of my recycle bin icon. I did a search and it seems like the easiest way to do it would be to install TweakUI. I downloaded TweakUI from Microsoft's website and installed it. However, under the desktop tab in TweakUI, the Recycle Bin isn't there (and therefore I can't uncheck it). I'm kind of uneasy about messing around in the registry. What if I need to get the recycle back sometime down the line? Is there any other options I have?
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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Registry Settings
System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Desktop\NameSpace]

To delete an icon from your desktop step through the sub-keys until you find the key representing the icon you want to remove. Delete the sub-key and the icon should disappear after your press F5 to refresh the desktop.

Recycle Bin {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

Backup System Key before making any changes. Name and save it as '.reg ' file. If you want the icon back just hit 'merge' on your saved file. I should add that if you're not knowledgeable in making changes to the Registry, I do not recommend doing this, but rather get a tweak program such as suggested in #1



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Siege of Centauri
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Turns out I installed TweakUI for NT workstations. Uninstalled that and got the right TweakUI (Powertoys) and it works great. One question: Is TweakUI for XP supposed to have an icon in the control panel? Thanks.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Blitz, if you want a very simple way of doing it. Right-Click on your Desktop, go to 'Arrange Icons By...' and uncheck 'Show Desktop Icons'. This will hide all your Icons though, not just the recycle bin.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I addition to that, right-click on the toolbar, select "toolbars", click on "desktop" and then you will see the word "desktop" appear on the toolbar. When you click on the little arrows next to desktop, you will see all of your desktop icons in list fashion. Also, you can auto-hide the toolbar to have a completely uncluttered desktop.
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