Desktop.ini & thumbs.db files are hidden files, that's why they look
transparent.
[[Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not
typical items.]]
Some info on Desktop.ini files pieced together from many sources...
File system folders are commonly displayed with a standard icon and set of
properties, which specify, for instance, whether or not the folder is
shared. The Desktop.ini file is a text file that specifies how a file
system folder will be viewed and handled. The most common use of the
Desktop.ini file is to assign a custom icon to a folder.
The desktop.ini can have info that lists the folder as a system file, hidden
and if deleted, it is recreated on the next boot. The desktop.ini can also
have info like a UICLSID line that hides the folder in Windows Explorer. And
a CLSID line that disables the Search utility from searching through the
folder.
Also the folder name info can be listed in the desktop.ini. For example,
the folder Shared Documents becomes just Documents if you remove the
desktop.ini.
-----
The thumbs.db file is generated by the Windows operating system. It is a
database file containing the small images displayed when you view a folder
in thumbnail view (as opposed to tile, icon, list, or detail view).
Thumbs.db file contains the thumbnails for a particular folder.
Windows XP uses a compressed database file (Thumbs.db) to increase
performance.
To get rid of Thumbs.db files...
Start | Run | Type: control folders | OK |
View tab | Check: Do not cache thumbnails |
Apply | OK
[[Disables automatic storage of folder thumbnails in a cache file. When you
store thumbnail images in a cache file, Windows can reuse them instead of
creating new ones every time you open a folder. If you disable this
automatic storage function, folders that contain thumbnails
might take longer to open.]]
If you use Thumbnail views a lot, you may want to UNCheck Do not cache
thumbnails.
To re-create the Thumbs.db file, click the folder whose contents you are
trying to view in Microsoft Windows Explorer, and then click Thumbnails on
the View menu.
Note: To see the Thumbs.db file, you must be able to view hidden files. To
view hidden files, click Folder Options on the View menu in Windows
Explorer, click the View tab, click Show All Files, and then click OK.
-----
When the Desktop Cleanup Wizard runs, it places unused shortcuts into a
folder on the desktop called Unused Desktop Shortcuts. However, if you want,
these shortcuts can be recovered from this folder.
Right-click a blank spot on the desktop
Properties
Desktop tab
Customize Desktop button
Desktop Cleanup
A Description of the Desktop Cleanup Wizard
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293154
HOW TO: Use the Desktop Cleanup Wizard in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306542
HOW TO: Disable the Automatic Desktop Cleanup Feature in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320154
If XP Pro check this setting in Group Policy...
Start | Run | Type: gpedit.msc | Click OK |
Navigate to >>
User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Desktop\
Remove the Desktop Cleanup Wizard
Set this to: Not Configured
[[If you enable this setting, the Desktop Cleanup wizard does not
automatically run on a users workstation every 60 days. The user will also
not be able to access the Desktop Cleanup Wizard.]]
Remove the Desktop Cleanup Wizard
http://www.boyce.us/gp/gpcontent.asp?ID=407
--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
In
