Disable and Prevent Thumbnail Cache (Thumbs.db) Creation
In Windows XP and Windows 2003, there are plenty of hidden Thumbs.db files that can be found almost everywhere in many folders that contains photos, images, pictures, graphics and some other documents. Thumbs.db is used as a cache to store preview thumbnails created so that Windows does not need to regenerate the thumbnails on every access or view of folder in Thumbnail or Filmstrip mode to speed up the display.
On some system folders such as My Pictures, the Thumbnail view is the default, so creation of thumbnail cache database file is almost a must, even if you try to default it to other view. Once Thumbs.db file is generated, Windows Explorer may automatically change the default view for folders which contain Thumbs.db to Thumbnails or Filmstrip view mode.
However, users can easily disable and turn off the thumbnail generation feature, and prevent and stop the Thumbs.db thumbnail cache database from been created or saved, by using the following guide:
Open Windows Explorer or Control Panel.
In Windows Explorer, click on Tools in menu bar, then select Folder Options in the pull down menu. In Control Panel, simply open Folder Options icon.
Go to the View tab.
Enable (tick) the Do not cache thumbnails option under Advanced Settings.
Click OK.
Alternatively, the thumbnail cache of Thumbs.db file and the preview can also be disable via registry key with the following steps:
On the right pane, double click on DisableThumbnailCache value, and set its value data as 1. If the registry key of DisableThumbnailCache does not exists, create a new DWORD value with that name.
Exit Registry Editor.
Logoff and login again, or restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
LK is a technology writer for Tech Journey with background of system and network administrator. He has be documenting his experiences in digital and technology world for over 15 years.Connect with LK through Tech Journey on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
