How to Delete Files

As you double-click on SomethingAboutMikeStreet.doc to open it, you see your very first attempt at screenwriting: ApocalypseTomorrow.doc. You can't even stand the thought of that awful piece of dreck-- you want it out of your life, and off of your hard drive.

The sneaky way  Right-click on the file you wish to purge. From the pop-up menu that appears, choose Delete. Windows will ask you whether you're sure. Click Yes.

The traditional way

1. Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Within the Screenplays folder, move your cursor over the ApocalypseTomorrow.doc icon.
3. Holding the left mouse button down, drag the icon to the Recycle Bin.
4. Let go of the mouse.

If you need to get rid of a file right away, hold down the Ctrl key and press Delete. This will permanently delete the file without sending it to the recycle bin. It also won't ask you if you're sure you want to delete it, so don't do it unless you really want that file out of your life.

Technically, moving a file to the Recycle Bin or using Ctrl-Delete does not wipe out the file. The file will remain on your hard drive until your computer needs to make room for new data, at which point it will write over the files you marked for deletion. If you want to make sure that nobody can find the file ever again, read this article.

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