Windows 10: How to delete Thumbs.db Files in Network folder in Windows 10

If you have ever found thumb.db files in a Network folder where several computer users are connected to each other and access the same folders, you know it’s hard to delete them as they are read as System files. It may create problems for system administrators and users in such cases.

Remove thumbs.db files in a Network folder in Windows 10


Thumbs.db files aren’t the files you create in your system but built automatically when you access a folder that contains pictures so that the thumbnails can be cached and the contents in a folder can be displayed faster. The files aren’t visible unless you configure the File Explorer to show them.

So, by default, Windows OS will create thumbs.db files within folders on Network drives and a centralized thumbnail cache in %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer for files on local drives.

At times, they can stop Windows from deleting or removing a folder, especially on a network, where multiple computers are accessing the same folders. If you wish to delete thumbs.db files in a Network folder, there’s how you can do it:

1. Launch File Explorer.
2. Go to the folder you want to delete.
3. Select the View tab.
4. Check the Hidden items box.
5. Choose the Details pane from the Layout section.
6. Select the thumbs.db file to delete.
7. Delete it.

Firstly, launch the Explorer. You can use the shortcut Win+E to launch the File Explorer directly.

Find the folder you want to delete. When found, click the View tab and check the Hidden Items box under the Show/Hide section.

Thereafter, switch to the Details pane under the Layout section and choose the thumbs.db files to delete.

When prompted with a message, click Yes to confirm.

If you can delete it, good, else you may need to first disable thumbs.db creation and then try.

Read: The action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program.

Disable thumbs.db using Group Policy Editor


If you wish, you may also Disable thumbs.db with Group Policy Editor.

Press Win+R in combination to open the Run command dialog box.

In the empty field of the box, type gpedit.msc and hit the OK button.

When the Local Group Policy Editor window opens, navigate to the following path address –

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.

​

On the right side of the Policy Editor window, locate Turn off the caching of thumbnails in hidden thumbs.db files policy option.

​

Double-click the option and in the other window that appears on your computer screen, check the Enabled option to disable the feature.

Click Apply and OK.

Finally, restart your PC to allow the changes to take effect.

Turn off Thumbnail DB creation via Registry Editor


An alternative way to disable the thumbs.db files in Windows is via Registry change. Here’s how to do it!

Please note that making changes to the Registry Editor incorrectly can have serious consequences. System-wide problems can occur that may require you to reinstall Windows to correct them. Kindly proceed at your own risk and create a System Restore point first.

Press Win+R in combination to open the Run command dialog box.

In the empty field of the box, type Regedit and hit the OK button.

When the Registry Editor window opens, navigate to the following path address –

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.

Here, right-click the Windows folder, select New, and choose the Key option.

Name the key as Explorer and hit the Enter key.

Now, right-click the newly created Explorer key and select New.

Then, click on the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.

Name the DWORD DisableThumbsDBOnNetworkFolders and press Enter.

Double-click the newly created DWORD to edit its value.

In the Edit String box that appears, change the default value from 0 to 1.

Click the OK button, when done.

Restart your computer.

Now, when you try to delete the Thumbs.db files in Windows you should be able to remove the files without hassles.

That’s all there is to it!


This article How to delete Thumbs.db Files in Network folder in Windows 10 first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

read more...

 

I deleted $Windows~.BT folder that was propably Windows 10 files. How to recover?

Hello,

So about two weeks ago I deleted a $Windows~.BT folder (through the cmd). Now I know that was Windows 10 files ready for install.

How can I download it again? I'm sure I need to reinstall some update. But which?

Tintai

 

C windows installer folder - Delete?

He can do symbolic link redirection and move the files in it to a different location. *Wink
Better try it out in a virtual of first. Just a suggestion.

Like:
First move everything in c:\windows\installer to d:\installercache
Then delete c:\windows\installer folder
Then type this in command mode as admin
mklink /d c:\windows\installer d:\installercache

Removing those installer files is a bad idea. it might prevent you from updating or uninstalling apps.

 

?? How do I PW protect Folders in windows

hmmm?
Sharing files and folders overview You can share the files and folders stored on your computer, on a network, and on the Web. The method you choose depends on whom you want to share files with, and what computer they will use to access the files.

When you share files or folders, they are not as protected as they are when you do not share them. People with access to your computer or your network might be able to read, copy, or change files that are in a shared folder. You should always be aware that the files and folders that you share are available to other people and be sure to monitor your shared files and folders on a regular basis.

Important

If your computer is not joined to a domain, you can use the Network Setup Wizard to automatically turn file and printer sharing on or off. To start the Network Setup Wizard, click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Setup Wizard.
If you both use the same computer

You can put the files you want to share in the Shared Documents folder. Files stored in the Shared Documents folder or its subfolders are always available to other users on your computer.

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, the Shared Documents, Shared Pictures, and Shared Music folders are not available.
If both computers are on the same network

You can share a folder or drive on your computer with others on the network. You can also control whether the files in the shared folder can be modified by other users.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
Note

If you are connected to a network domain, you will need to set the Access control for the folder or drive after sharing it. For more information, go to To set, view, change, or remove file and folder permissions.
If you want to share your files online

You can publish pictures and documents on the Web using the Web Publishing Wizard. The files will be stored in a private, online folder that you manage.

Step-by-step procedure

If you don't want others to access your files

You can prevent other users from accessing your folders and the files they contain. When your computer is connected to a domain, this is called setting permissions for your file or folder. When your computer is connected to a workgroup, this is called making your folders private.

If your computer is connected to a network domain, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure
If your computer is connected to a workgroup, use this procedure:

Step-by-step procedure

'HELP' it can be your friend *Smile