Solved Win 7 64 bit : Video thumbnail preview not working

[Question2]

I have folders set to "show large icons" and i have "always show icons, never show thumbnails" unchecked, but the thumbnails of video files always show the default program icons and never a preview of what the video contains.

Why is it doing this and how do i fix it?

 

[mohavepc]

Hello Question2 and Welcome to Seven Forums

The default program to play your videos might not support thumbnailed images for preview. What program do you have set to be the default for say Mpeg or Mov files?

The best way to get thumbnailed previews to work again is to go to the start pearl and type in "Default Programs" in the search bar. Choose "Set your default programs" then click on "windows media player" and give it all it's defaults. Reboot then see if the thumbnails preview for videos functions again.

If not then we can run a couple test to see if it might be another issue. I have run into this issue myself when I installed VLC player to view a video that would not play in Windows media player.

 

[Question2]

The default program is set to WMP.

 

[Slartybart]

Does WMP present a thumbnail of the video?

I agree with MohavePC on VLC. I updated to (I forget) version and all thumbnails, album covers were "broken". I had to roll back VLC to "fix" it.

Is this just videos or are Documents, Pictures and Music also affected?

Do you have the issue when you look in the Videos folder and when you look in the Videos Library?

 

[Question2]

Uh not sure what you mean but when i look at the icons in windows explorer, they all just show the generic video thumbnail instead of a preview of the video.

But images work just fine.

 

[mohavepc]

Have a look at this tutorial Default File Type Associations and follow the directions there. If still no love then I would suggest an System file check and perhaps a malware scan..

Could you post a screenshot of the files in question so we can see the default "generic" video thumbnail you speak of? sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words as they do say. Who "they" are I have no idea but it might help us to understand what is happening.

 

[Slartybart]

Uh not sure what you mean but when i look at the icons in windows explorer, they all just show the generic video thumbnail instead of a preview of the video.

But images work just fine.

It's been a long time since I've used WMP and I thought that it might present a thumbnail of the video in it's library view.

The other part of my question referred to the way you use Windows Explorer. Libraries are a bit different from folders.

If you open the Videos Library in the left hand navigation pane, what gets presented.

If you open the My Videos folder under your user profile, what gets presented?

MohavePc asked for a snap shot, could you post a shot of My Videos folder and one of the Videos Library?
See: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

Thanks

 

[Question2]

Theres nothing wrong with the default program thing, its all set to WMP, i tried using the reg files you linked and it did nothing.

Heres what i mean btw :

http://i.imgur.com/ROXgDKj.png

And its for every single video file, not just .mp4.

 

[mohavepc]

Please follow the steps in this tutorial Thumbnail Cache Clear and Reset

You may also want to try these steps and let us know the result.
Step 1
You may try to uninstall and reinstall the codec and check if the issue persists.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/AllDownloads.aspx?displang=en&qstechnology
Step 2

Change settings.

1. Open the Start Menu
2. Right-Click on Computer and select Properties and a new window will open
3. Select Advanced System Settings on the left under Tasks
4. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt
5. Click on the Advanced tab and select Settings... under the Performance area
6. Under Visual Effects you will see four options to choose from
7. Let Windows choose what's best for my computer usually works best for most users
8. Verify that Show thumbnails instead of icons is checked or you can select Adjust for best appearance and press OK
9. This may take some time to change

 

[Question2]

Hmm....tried those, doesnt seem to have helped. Also the step 1 link gives a 404 error.

 

[Question2]

Ah nevermind it seems to have been fixed. Thanks.

 

[Slartybart]

Good to hear that the issue is resolved. Thanks for marking the thread solved.

 

[mohavepc]

 

[Gypsybiker2007]

Video Preview Thumbnail Not Working

Hi Question2..I'm new to this site today + when I was looking for an answer on another problem, I found yours. I see that you've sorted it out now, but I had the same problem that started suddenly in windows 7 that went on for months until I found the sollution...I do a lot of video editing + it's essential that I'm able to see at a glance what's in the folders. I thought, like you, that I had cured it after jumping through, (it seemed) practically EVERY hoop possible but the problem came back again not long after. :sarc: About 3 months ago I did find a permanent fix for it. It is a free, tiny little program download called 'Icarus'. You just open it up + it shows you all the thumbnail filetypes registered + property of the filetypes registered. You can add as many of your own not listed as you like + just click 'activate'. You will see all your files restored to their former glory..No fuss, that's all you do + it's perfectly safe. I've not had a problem since.
If, like me, you get the nasty little inconvienience back...Download this gem...Hope it works out...

 

[bushfilm]

Thumbnail preview issue

First, I am not an expert so don't expect detailed explanations. Next, my anti-virus software wouldn't let me install Icaros, so use at your own risk.
What did work (and the only thing that worked) was this: I use K-Lite codec pack; if you go to K-lite program folder (where all your programs live), click on it, in the dropdown menu, click on "codec tweaks", this will open a box with several options, all pretty self-explanatory. Just follow your common sense, check the boxes that include your files, disable the "broken" thumbnail handlers and so on. Empty the thumbnail cache. Re-start your computer and voila, thumbnails. Worked for me, hope it works for you!

 

[mohavepc]

Hi Question2..I'm new to this site today + when I was looking for an answer on another problem, I found yours. I see that you've sorted it out now, but I had the same problem that started suddenly in windows 7 that went on for months until I found the sollution...I do a lot of video editing + it's essential that I'm able to see at a glance what's in the folders. I thought, like you, that I had cured it after jumping through, (it seemed) practically EVERY hoop possible but the problem came back again not long after. :sarc: About 3 months ago I did find a permanent fix for it. It is a free, tiny little program download called 'Icarus'. You just open it up + it shows you all the thumbnail filetypes registered + property of the filetypes registered. You can add as many of your own not listed as you like + just click 'activate'. You will see all your files restored to their former glory..No fuss, that's all you do + it's perfectly safe. I've not had a problem since.
If, like me, you get the nasty little inconvienience back...Download this gem...Hope it works out...

Icarus software is considered malware as is much software from Yontoo. If you do use it be aware it will indeed install other software that can be harmful to your system. I would recommend running Malwarebytes and Adw Adware cleaner if you install Icarus.

 

[bushfilm]

Thumbnails

Icaros (check your spelling) isn't necessary, why take a chance on malware when the problem is your codecs, just try what I posted, it will work without risking your system.

 

[Nefflyy]

this worked

First, I am not an expert so don't expect detailed explanations. Next, my anti-virus software wouldn't let me install Icaros, so use at your own risk.
What did work (and the only thing that worked) was this: I use K-Lite codec pack; if you go to K-lite program folder (where all your programs live), click on it, in the dropdown menu, click on "codec tweaks", this will open a box with several options, all pretty self-explanatory. Just follow your common sense, check the boxes that include your files, disable the "broken" thumbnail handlers and so on. Empty the thumbnail cache. Re-start your computer and voila, thumbnails. Worked for me, hope it works for you!

Thank you this worked