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thumbs.db

About this tag
Thumbs.db files are thumbnail cache files automatically created by Windows to speed up folder browsing. Users on WindowsForum.com discuss methods to delete these files from external drives and across multiple folders using command-line tools or batch scripts. Some report that missing documents may be replaced by thumbs.db files, leading to confusion about data loss. Others express frustration that Windows 7 Home Premium lacks Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) to disable thumbnail creation, requiring workarounds like folder recreation. The tag covers troubleshooting, deletion techniques, and system behavior related to thumbs.db in various Windows versions.
  1. C

    Windows 10 Delete thumbnail files from external drives

    Hi. I know how to disable creation of thumbs.db, and now know how to delete them locally (using Disk Cleanup), but some were created on external drives before I had disabled creation of them, and it seems Disk Cleanup isn't able to access these drives. Any advice on deleting all thumbs.db files...
    • cmh
    • Thread
    • cleanup data deletion disk cleanup drive access external drive file management file system file types maintenance storage tech support thumbnails thumbs.db user advice user help windows 10 windows 11 windows community windows tips
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  2. James Anderson Jr

    Windows 8 Delete all thumbs.db from image folder(s)

    Hi, Anyone know a "cross-os" (i.e. will work for XP, Vista, 7, and 8) command-line command or .bat script to recursively check all folders for 'thumbs.db' and delete them all at once? Thanks in advance! -James A.
  3. G

    Windows 8 Vanishing backedup files

    Hi: I have or had multiple files and documents backed up on several computers and hard drives. They are in folders, in subfolders, in subfolders. Over the years they've been copied from computer to computer and through various external drives. Recently some documents have vanished from D...
    • gwatts1
    • Thread
    • audacity backup computer data recovery documents file discrepancy file management file ownership files folders hard drive missing files optimization storage thumbs.db troubleshooting usb windows 7 windows 8.1
    • Replies: 3
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
  4. T

    Windows 7 Progress with 'thumbs.db' and Windows 7 Home Premuim

    I've searched the forum and couldn't find any responses to this question, I think. As you've probable guessed I use Windows 7 Home Premium and have attempted to use gpedit.msc only to realize it's not part of the Home Premium O/S. So I'm stuck with recreating folders in order to 'fix' the...
    • TorMike
    • Thread
    • feedback file management gpedit home premium microsoft operating system thumbs.db user experience windows 7 windows issues
    • Replies: 4
    • Forum: Windows Upgrade and Installation
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