(Read on to change your XP security settings and take control of how 'your' image files display.)

First, Microsoft describes a thumbnail as "A miniature version of an image that is often used for quick browsing through multiple images."

The Thumbnail view is used to display these file types:

.bmp (Windows Bitmap files)

.gif (Graphics Interchange Format files)

.jpg, .jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group files)

.htm, .html (Hypertext Markup Language files)

In addition, other file types may be displayed by using the Thumbnail view. Files that cannot be displayed by using the Thumbnail view are displayed with their default icons.

For your convenience, you may want to review the following screen shot and notice the crude red arrows. The 'Do not cache thumbnails' check box, is unchecked by default.

Note that you have two options for your Windows XP Start menu: the default XP Start menu and the Classic Start menu. Method one will cover the default Start menu and method two, will describe how to take charge of your thumbnails, using the Classic Start menu.

The following two methods will disable automatic storage of thumbnails in your cache file. 'When you store thumbnail images in a cache file, Windows can reuse them instead of creating new ones every time you open a folder. Note: If you disable this automatic storage function, folders that contain thumbnails might take longer to open.'*

**** Method one: Classic Start menu - Click on your Start button, go to the Settings option then select your Control Panel. Locate and open your Folder Options icon. Select your View tab and within your Advanced settings section, put a check mark in the 'Do not cache thumbnails' check box. To finish, click on the OK button.

**** Method two: XP Pro Start menu - Click on your Start button, go to your Control Panel then open your Folder Options icon. Select your View tab and within your Advanced settings section, put a check mark in the 'Do not cache thumbnails' check box. Click on the OK button, to complete the operation.

Now YOU are in charge of your image files!

Or are you?

A Microsoft Knowledge Base article states 'You can view an NTFS Encrypted File in Thumbnail View, on Windows XP Professional. If you encrypt a file by using the NTFS file system, and the view is set to Thumbnail, the contents of the file may still be visible. For example, if you encrypt an image file or an HTML file, and then you set it to the Thumbnail view, you will be able to see the image or HTML image on the thumbnail.'

No need to be alarmed.

For greater security of all the files on your XP computer, see Article (#Q307987) for information on 'How To: Use file Compression in Windows XP.'

If you are a computer network support professional, you will want to visit the MS Expert Zone for peer suppport and/or review the list of available fixes, patches or updates. If you prefer to do it yourself, a list of Diagnostic tools for troubleshooting Windows XP TCP/IP connectivity issues, is available within the MS KB Article - 314067.

Note: "Beginning January 1, 2004, the Support WebCast team will transitioning from our current webcast vendor (Mshow), to Microsoft Office Live Meeting. (Support WebCasts are a free Internet broadcast service provided by Microsoft. Tune in and watch live technical presentations given by Microsoft technology experts, and participate in live Q&A sessions after each presentation.)" Check out the details hereMicrosoft Support WebCast Update

In spirit,

MocassinNOTE: With the introduction of Windows Vista, all links provided here are subject to change, without notice.

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