"Publish _vti_cnf/thumbs.db could not be published because of an illegal document" error message when you publish your FrontPage Web site to a Web server (840270)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003
  • Microsoft FrontPage 2002
  • Microsoft FrontPage 2000
  • FrontPage 2002 Server Extensions from Microsoft
  • FrontPage 2000 Server Extensions from Microsoft

SYMPTOMS

When you publish your Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003 Web site, your Microsoft FrontPage 2002 Web site, or your Microsoft FrontPage 2000 Web site to a Web server that has FrontPage Server Extensions installed, you may receive an error message that is similar to the following:
Server error: The following file(s) have been blocked by the administrator: images/Thumbs.db

Publish _vti_cnf/thumbs.db could not be published because of an illegal document

CAUSE

This issue may occur if both the following conditions are true:
  • One or more Thumbs.db files exists in a folder or in folders on your Web site.
  • The Web server that you are publishing your Web site to does not permit files that have .db file name extensions.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods, depending on your situation:

Method 1: Delete the Thumbs.db files

Delete the Thumbs.db files that are contained in folders on the Web site that you want to publish, and then publish your Web site. To do this:
  1. Start Windows Explorer, and then open the folder that contains the Thumbs.db file.
  2. On the View menu, click any view that you want except the Thumbnails view. For example, click List.
  3. Quit Windows Explorer.
  4. Start FrontPage, and then open the folder that contains the Thumbs.db file.
  5. Right-click the Thumbs.db file, and then click Delete.
  6. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
  7. Repeat step 1 through step 6 to delete every Thumbs.db file that is contained in folders on the Web site that you want to publish.
  8. Publish your Web site to the Web server.

Method 2: Set the Thumbs.db file to "Don't Publish"

Set the Thumbs.db files to use the Don't Publish setting, and then publish your Web site. To do this:
  1. Start FrontPage, and then the open your Web site.
  2. On the View menu, click Folders.
  3. Right-click the Thumbs.db file, and then click Don't Publish.
  4. Publish your Web site to the Web server.

MORE INFORMATION

When you open a folder in Thumbnails view, Windows creates a Thumbs.db file. For example, if you use Windows Explorer to open a folder in Thumbnails view, Windows creates a Thumbs.db file in that folder.

For more information about FrontPage, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/office/frontpage/prodinfo/default.mspx

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/3/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB840270 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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