Deleting photo from the catalogue in Elements 2023

[gjmw]

When I delete photos from the catalouge in Elements they show up in the wastebin in Windows 11 if I then clear the wastebin do I remove the photos from the files on the computer?

[Greg_S. · Accepted solution]

Hi @gjmw .  When you delete files from the catalogue, a confirmation box pops up and you are given the option to also delete the files from your hard drive.  If you chose that option, then yes the files will be totally removed from your computer when you clear the wastebin.  

The Organizer only catalogues the files on your hard drive; it does not make copies of them.  So, if for some reason you want to remove files from the catalogue but not from the hard drive, do not check the box to delete from the hard drive:

If you kept the box unchecked, and were deleting a lot of files at one time, it is possible that some temorary copies of the files were sent to the wastebin.  If that is the case, there will be no harm in emptying the wastebin. 

[gjmw]

Thank you for the reply, when I saw all the deleted files in the bin I was worried, when you import files/photos Elements picks up everything, all the pictures you take on your iPhone etc some of which are doc scans and the like, I will be careful to make sure the box is unchecked

Sent from Mail<> for Windows

[gjmw]

thank you, I think that clarifies it, I am still getting to know Elements, I did do a course some 30 years ago in Photoshop but I am very rusty, but as I am getting on I thought it was about time to sort out my approximate 16000 slides and photos