What are thumbs.db (Data Base files)?

I was deleting/moving some files from a directory (Windoze XP) and was asked by 'she who must be obeyed (Microslop)' if I wanted to delete/move a file whose name was 'Thumbs.db' Since I had created that directory and stored some duplicate files there (for back-up purposes) I didn't know from where that file had come nor what was its purpose.

Anyone?

secret

 

Thumbs.db is Microsoft's way of caching thumbnail images of any image or movie file in a folder. The idea behind creating a thumbnail cache is to improve the speed of displaying thumbnails the next time you open the folder by caching a set of thumbnails for the image and video files in the folder. If you hadn't seen this file in your folders previously it's likely you didn't have "Show hidden files and folders" enabled. Deleting the Thumbs.db file simply deletes that cache, which is regenerated the next time you view the folder contents. It is possible to configure Windows to never cache thumbnails (see below).

One of the biggest annoyances to the Thumbs.db file is the way it changes folder settings. You can specifically set all folders in Windows to open in Detail view, for instance. If any folder contains a Thumbs.db file, that folder reverts to the thumbnail view, ignoring your preferences.

If you want to turn OFF this feature, here's how:

1. Open up the Control Panel
2. Select Folder Options
3. Click the View tab (see picture below)
4. Check "Do not cache thumbnails"
5. Click the OK button

 

Yo Lev,

Thanks for the quick response. In it you stated -

'You can specifically set all folders in Windows to open in Detail view, for instance.'

I was able to do that in previous Windoze editions, but the best I have been able to find in Windoze XP is a place that I can select 'Remember each folders view setting' and that doesn't seem to work all the time. I prefer the detail view and it's a pain maintaining that setting.

Thanks for the information you did supply. Such much to learn, so little time.

secret

 

You're welcome

So, in Windows Explorer, you click <View> then <Details> get to get the detail view of your files - I think you already know that.

To keep all files and folders this way, you then click <Tools>, <Folder Options>, <View>, click <Apply to All Folders> button, then click <OK> at the bottom.

 

Welcome to MajorGeeks

 

Hey. I always wondered what those things were. I'm learning already.