What are hidden "thumbs" database files?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Samantha
  • Start date Start date
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Samantha

Hi,
I've come across some hidden "thumbs" database files in "My Documents". Can
anybody tell me if it is 100% fine to delete these?

Many Thanks
Samantha
 
Thumbs.db is a file which stores the way in which you want to view the
current folder. Some folders you would want to view as thumbnails while some
as list view, if you want this to happen, it is advised to have this file.

There are situations when changing a view it will still not apply to the
current folder, this is the situation where you would look for this file and
delete it.
 
Camille said:
I believe it is thumbnail files, click on show hidden files
Click to expand...

Hi,
do you know if they are safe to delete? They are not any kind of picture
file, they are of the type "database files".
 
can you see them, then right click on the properties box, or open them up and
see what they go to? I wouldn't just go and delete something you don't know
what it is.
 
Jonybrv said:
Thumbs.db is a file which stores the way in which you want to view the
current folder. Some folders you would want to view as thumbnails while
some
as list view, if you want this to happen, it is advised to have this file.

There are situations when changing a view it will still not apply to the
current folder, this is the situation where you would look for this file
and
delete it.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jony,
I've been researching them. Seems strange I've never come across them
before! Thanks for your input.
 
Samantha said:
Hi,
I've come across some hidden "thumbs" database files in "My Documents". Can
anybody tell me if it is 100% fine to delete these?

Many Thanks
Samantha
Click to expand...

thumbs.db is a cache of all the picture files in that folder in a small
or "thumbnail" format. It speeds up the display of pics in folders when
the view is set to thumbnail or filmstip. They can be deleted but will
be recreated next time thumbnail view or filmstrip view is chose.

http://www.fcs.iastate.edu/computer/tips/thumbs/default.htm
 
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