fire up the folder that you suspect the damaged or corrupted thumbs.db file to be contained in.

Locate the file, right-click it, and chooseDelete.

Depending on the version of the Windows you’re using, some of these options may vary slightly.

thumbs.db file in windows 8

If you might’t see the file, your system may be configured to not showhidden files.

If so, change the folder options to allow the display of hidden files and protected operating system files.

SeeHow to Show or Hide Hidden Files and Foldersfor instructions.

To recreate the file, selectViewand thenThumbnailsfrom the menu in the folder from which you deleted the thumbs.db file.

Doing this will initiate theThumbnailsview and create a new copy of the file.

Tips

Not all versions of Windows use the thumbs.db file.

The thumbnail databasethumbcache_xxxx.dbmight instead be centrally located in this folder: