Unable To delete thumbs.db

Anonymous
2013-01-21T09:48:54+00:00

Since I moved to windows 8 I have been increasingly having a problem  with deleting any thumbs.db. I do not have the files in the folder open nor did I have them open at any point prior to trying to delete the files. But I continual get the error " file is one in explorer" . I never had this problem in windows 7 and if I did have it I would simply restart.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2013-01-22T05:38:50+00:00

Hi,

From your issue description, I understand that You are not able to delete thumbs.db. Please let me know if you are not facing this issue.

Thumbs.db is created when using thumbnail preview. I would suggest you to try the following steps.

a. Press Windows + C and Type Control Panel

b. Click "Appearance and Personalization"

c. Click "Folder Options"

d. Open the "View" tab

e. Uncheck "Display file icon on thumbnails"

f. Click OK, and exit control panel. You should now be able to delete the folder and the thumbs.db file.

Hope this information is helpful and do let us know if you need further assistance with Windows in future. We will be glad to assist.

Was this answer helpful?

300+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments No comments

42 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-01T07:16:59+00:00

    Hi,

    Run the Disk Cleanup and check.

    Delete files using Disk Cleanup.

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows/delete-files-using-disk-cleanup#delete-files-using-disk-cleanup=windows-8

    Hope this helps.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-07T02:28:16+00:00

    That has failed to help me. 

    Attempting to delete folders that have nothing in them except for the thumbs.db, I am unable to do so without a lot of re-tries over and over again. Often selecting another folder and right clicking on the one to be delete and chooses delete it will.

    but to say the least this is a bit of a pain and never had an issue like this pre-windows 8.

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-28T15:06:35+00:00

    why the (add 4 letter word here) is this still a problem.

    when you find and fix it, not always the same fix, up update windows and your back to step one....

    why m$ don't make it you need to add this silly option, instead of trying to remove it.

    m$ removed the start button, even when most users wanted it keeping.

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-09T01:10:11+00:00

    As for me after this process they just disappeared.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments