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Rename the Recycle Bin

Intended For
Windows XP
Windows 2003
Windows 2000
Windows Me
Windows 98
Windows 95
To rename the Recycle Bin to something more interesting, such as 'Garbage,' 'Trash,' or 'My Aching Stomach,' follow the following directions:


To add the Rename option to the Recycle Bin's context menu (all Windows except XP):

  • Download the Rename Recycle Bin Registry Patch (1k)
  • Double-click on add rename to recycle bin.reg to make the change - it should take effect immediately.
  • You'll then be able to rename the Recycle Bin the same way you rename any file (such as right-clicking on it and selecting Rename)
  • You can also double-click on add delete to recycle bin.reg to add the delete item as well (see Get Rid of the Recycle Bin for more information).


To manually rename the Recycle Bin (all Windows except XP):

  • Run the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE).
  • Open HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ CLSID\ {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} (you can also select Find from the Edit menu, and search for "Recycle Bin.")
  • Double-click (Default), and type the new name.
  • Press OK and then close the Registry Editor.
  • Click on the desktop, and press F5 to refresh the desktop so that this change will take effect. (More information.)

  • Note: Norton Utilities also includes a feature to make it easy to change the name or the icon for the Recycle Bin, but it's not as nice as the first solution here.

  • Note: This setting can also be changed with TweakUI.


To manually rename the Recycle Bin (Windows XP only):

  • Right-click the Recycle Bin icon and select Properties.


Written by: Annoyances.org
Last updated: Wednesday, February 7, 2007

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