Mysterios hidden files

[GordonSweet]

Here are a couple of mysteries some of you guys may be able to solve. I run Windows XP Home along with Norton Anti-virus 2005.

I often notice by using a file manager that allows me to see ALL the files including the hidden ones, that my hard drive appears to be riddled with mysterious hidden files all named THUMBS.DB, which I can safely remove anytime. What is the purpose of these files, and what creates them. They can be a nuisance when creating CDs, as Nero promptly copies these over along with wanted files.

Another problem is I noticed when doing a virus scan awhile ago, that the number of files had increased quite considerably for no apparent reason. I have traced the problem using a file manager that shows ALL the files etc to the following where over 9000 files are hidden

Documents and Settings/Gordons/Local Settings/Temporary Internet/Content .IE5/

In spite of using Disk Cleanup or removing Cookies and Files under the TOOLS of IE there are numerous strange hidden files such a [1], [2],[3] etc and GIF or JPG files etc. I assume these are not automatically deleted because they are hidden. So is it safe for me to delete everything in this CONTETS.IE5 folder to save work during each Virus scan. I could create a BAT file to do the job periodically.

Gordon

[MystikShadows]

I'm assuming you have Jasc's Paint Shop Pro on your hard drive. Thumbs.db is typically created when you browse for images from paintshop pro (drawing program) to allow you to view thumbnails as they are called (small preview images of the actual bitmaps and other image files you have in a folder).

for your other problem, the contents.ie5 folder itself shouldn't be deleted, but I've often deleted everything in it this is where internet explorer stores visited websites for faster viewing next time you go to that page.

[KiZ]

Thumbs.db is not just created by PSP. It is created usually by windows and is a cache of the thumbnail pictures to represent the files in a directory of photos. PSP just uses thumbs.db in the same way as windows to speed up the thumbnail viewing.

The content.ie5 is where temporary internet files are cached to make browsing faster, like mystik said. In Internet Explorer there will be a slider you can change to change the amount of HDD space taken up by the files. It will regulate the folder to stay within the boundary of size you define.

[GordonSweet]

Thanks guys, I thought someone would know the answers.

I had a look at http://www.jc-hosting.net though I do not understnd it all - too old at 72. I do run a simple site at

http://sionet.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

which includes numerous free programs in 4 languages, of mine and others. But as I offer all as Freeware I am obviously reluctant to pay anyone to help run the site.

Gordon

[Z!re]

Thumbs.db is the most annoying file ever.
And I usually ignore ANY archive or program that contains it.

[MystikShadows]

Thanks guys, I thought someone would know the answers.

I had a look at http://www.jc-hosting.net though I do not understnd it all - too old at 72. I do run a simple site at

http://sionet.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

which includes numerous free programs in 4 languages, of mine and others. But as I offer all as Freeware I am obviously reluctant to pay anyone to help run the site.

Gordon

Kewl there's a good couple interesting programs on that page :-) I like the simulaton pack and the engineering pack too :-).

[GordonSweet]

Thanks - but I expect you realize the clever engineering stuff is by my Swedish friend Ingemar. I expect he would be interested in any comments you have by email.

Gordon

[MystikShadows]

I will look at them in detail, and email him directly :-). his email is on the site right?

[GordonSweet]

Ingemar's address is ingemar.bjerle@telia.com but I believe he said he was off to China for a little while earlier this year, so he may not reply for awhile.

Let me know the address you want me to quote, and I will put it on my Programs page.

Gordon

[MystikShadows]

The URL is:
http://www.ascii-world.com