Computer Tip – Removing Thumbs.db files

Thumbs.db is a system file generated automatically by Windows XP when you view the contents of a folder in thumbnail view. It contains a copy of each of the tiny preview images generated for image files in that folder so that they load up quickly the next time you browse that folder and also stores your settings with regard to thumbnail view.

Despite the fact that Thumbs.db is a hidden system file, it annoys people because it tends to show up in places where it isn’t wanted. Many times you’ll try to zip up a folder full of images and e-mail them to a friend or upload them to an FTP site, and Thumbs.db goes along for the ride. The good news is that you can stop the Thumbs.db very simply if you find it annoying.

These are very small files and don’t take up much room, so it is not necessary to remove them, but they can be annoying.

Removing Thumbs.db files for Windows XP

From your desktop:

1. Click Start
2. Double-click Control Panel
3. Double-click Folder Options
4. Click on the View tab
5. If there is a checkmark in “Do not cache thumbnails” check inside that circle again to remove the check mark.
6. Click Ok.

That’s it, your computer will cease to generate Thumbs.db files and if you delete any of the existing Thumbs.db files, they will not return.

Thumbs.db and Windows Vista

In Windows Vista, the system will store all thumbnails and previews generated in a centralized thumbnail database. The centralized thumbnail database is located in the following folder:

\Users\[User Account Name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer

Because all the thumbs.db files are now stored within the one folder in Vista, you can no longer delete thumbs.db. To remove the thumbnail cache, simply use Disk Cleanup. (Note: in some cases Microsoft now refers to thumbnails as “icons” or “live icons”, just to add to the confusion.)