Deleted files still show up when using start menu search???

Question

Ok, so I deleted some documents I no longer need on my pc, but they still show up when using the search program from the start menu. When I try to delete these, it tells me: "Item not found. This is no longer located in C:/users/etc.... Verify the item's location and try again."

But since the file is no longer on my pc I don't have that option. How do I delete these "traces" of documents and files I have already deleted from my computer???
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ok so far most of you know what I mean... From the answers I got so far, I must say this: 1. Yes I did remove the files in the recycling bin, it is empty and the files are deleted. 2. Shortcuts for those files were never made, they stayed in one folder only. 3. I did try to cut them from the search folder and then paste into the recycling bin but it wouldn't let me. 4. I also tried to right click and open containing folder but obviously since I deleted them already, they're not there. I also made sure all hidden files were visible. 5. I believe someone mentioned something about pointers and that overtime they are overwritten... I guess that is ok with me, but there must be a way to completely remove them from the computer so that they don't show up in the search... I want no traces whatsoever.

By the way, the files in question were mp3s, word files and movie files... so they should be easily removed as opposed to a program or application, since they were never installed.

Answer 1

If I understand correctly, you're looking at recently used documents. In other words, you go Start/Documents, and you get a list of all sorts of files you've opened recently.

These are just shortcuts to the files, which will no longer work if you've deleted the original file.

To delete these shortcuts, go to Start/Settings/Taskbar and Start Menu, click Start Menu tab, and Customise button.

Click Clear button, next to " Remove records of recently accessed documents...." etc

If using a different WinXP theme, the above route may be slightly different (I use Classic start menu).

Answer 2

There are a few different things that can happen here.

1. you've deleted the file and it is sent to your "recycle bin" and saved. In that case you just empty your recycle bin. You can also turn it off so all files deleted just get deleted.

2. A shortcut to the file was created and stored in a different location. The original file is gone but the shortcut still exists. The shortcut wont be able to open a deleted file, but it will still show up in a search because it contained the name of the file in it.

3. When a file is deleted. The operating system really only deletes what is called a "pointer" to that file on the hard disk. When that pointer is lost, the OS no longer knows how to find the file. However the physical file data still sits on your hard drive and could be recovered. Over time this data will be overwritten by new or moved files on your computer.

If you are concerned about the security on your computer, you should check into drive encryption software. If your hard drive is encrypted, all files delted or not are encrypted and virtually unreadable without the encryption key.

Windows Vista Ultimate I believe has a version built in that is quite strong.

Answer 3

Have you tried right clicking the file in search and ask it to open containing folder! If not do so and if file found delete, if you are sure it is not required.

Answer 4

Not to worry, pal.... The Icons weren't deleted, but of course the files were... Simply delete the Icon.

You have a blessed day.

Message from Dell.

Answer 5

All files leave a digital imprint into the system you can never fully delete a application. or program from your computer unless you wipe your harddrive clean.

Answer 6

try cut instead of delete and then just delete the blankpage

Answer 7

you probably forgot to empty the recycle bin, they are more than likely there