What are thumbs.db files in Windows and how to view them?
The thumbs.db file is a hidden file, generated by Windows. 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).
No harm is done by deleting thumbs.db files. Deleting the Thumbs.db file has no real effect on your operating system or the future ability to view thumbnails at any time. It is automatically re-created, in the respective folder, each time you 'view' thumbnails.
To turn off this feature and save some disk space:
Open Folder & SearchOptions>View>Check "Always show icons, never thumbnails" > Apply > OK.
But if you like to view folders/files as 'thumbnails', as opposed to icons, etc; best to keep this option on.
In XP you 'see' these 'hidden' files thumbs.db scattered all over the place. In Vista the thumbnails 'thumbcache' are stored at C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\ Microsoft \Windows\Explorer
Thumbnail Database Viewer enables you to view thumbnail cache which is used by Windows to speed up the display of thumbnails in folders (thumbs.db, ehthumbs.db, thumbcache_*.db files).
