Restoring Preview Thumbnails

The Maximum PC Staff — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:45:54 -0600

I was recently reviewing different graphics programs for showing video files when I noticed that Explorer now refuses to display a miniature version of video graphics files when I go to the thumbnail view. It still shows miniatures of picture files (.jpeg and .bmp) but not video files. What would cause this? Is it possible to fix it without reinstalling the OS (XP Pro)? The video files show the miniature version when exported to another computer, so there must be something different with my OS. I’ve tried everything I could think of but no luck.

—Stephen Brown

Whether or not thumbnail previews show up for video files depends on your file associations and DirectShow filters. If you’ve been installing and uninstalling different video players, your file associations could be messed up. Make sure video files are associated with the player that is currently installed on your machine and that it can handle video preview thumbnails. You can do this in Windows Explorer; just click the Tools menu, go to Folder Options, and hit the File Types tab. Then make sure you have preview thumbnails enabled for all file types that support them by going to the Start Menu, opening Run, typing regsvr32 shmedia.dll, then hitting Enter. You could also have a problem with your codec pack. The Doctor recommends uninstalling whatever codec packs you currently use and replacing them with ffdshow tryouts (http://ffdshow-tryout.sourceforge.net).

By going to Windows Explorer's Tools menu, then Folder Options > File Types, you can change file associations and restore your graphical preview thumbnails.

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Network Firm Files Lawsuit against Microsoft, Apple and Google Over Thumbnails

Pulkit Chandna — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:09:40 -0600

Cygnus Systems, a Michigan-based networking firm, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft, Apple, and Google, for the alleged infringement of a patent that it owns. The patent in question pertains to the use of thumbnails in operating systems. Cygnus has issues with the use of thumbnails in Vista, OS X, Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer 8, Safari and the Apple iPhone.

According to papers filed in a U.S District Court in Arizona, the patent pertains to "methods and systems for accessing one or more computer files via a graphical icon, wherein the graphical icon includes an image of a selected portion or portions of one or more computer files." The patent was awarded to the company as recently as March, 2008.

If it is able to make its case successfully, a windfall awaits Cygnus as it has two of the leading operating systems, three of the major web browsers and the insanely popular iPhone in its crosshairs.

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Restoring Preview Thumbnails

Network Firm Files Lawsuit against Microsoft, Apple and Google Over Thumbnails