John...when I have a lot of anything to delete, I use (as you might expect *grin*) a different file manager than Explorer...'usually' PowerDesk, which has an option to use the key combination 'shift/delete' and bypasses the trash bin and permanently deletes them....if they are sensitive files (seldom the case), I have options to delete and wipe (overwrite with random characters a chosen # of times).

I prefer the shift/delete method, because it is one less thing to remember and I don't discover my trash bin is full.

There is also a standalone program called "EmptyTemp" which has settings to empty folders YOU specify on a schedule you specify...(I get these things in place, then often forget they are there or where I put them, as they just keep working in the background and I no longer see the problem.)

I know it seems like extra complications and stuff to remember and install and juggle for many people who want this computer stuff to be as simple and non-confusing as possible....but I treat it like maintaining my car and owning things like tire gauges and a few wrenches and learning to replace windshield wipers....there is a slight learning curve, but it can be worth it.

(This hobby/habit of mine of digging up 'extra' little programs is not intended to come close to the level that John in Kansas works with in understanding 'how' computers work and knowing deeper technical details...it is just a way of smoothing out the daily hassles of using this technology and finding out what various experts have created to make 'driving a PC' a bit easier and safer...and sometimes more fun!)