3ds Max thumbnail images aren’t showing the Max scene contents when using Windows Explorer or the Max File menu
The 3ds Max installer fails to register the MaxThumbnailShellExt.dll file that is responsible for displaying thumbnails in Windows Explorer. This file is in the root folder of the 3ds Max, starting with Version 2014+.
1. In Windows, type “cmd”
2. Run as administrator
3. Copy: regsvr32 “C:Program FilesAutodesk3ds Max 2018MaxThumbnailShellExt.dll”
4. Press Enter.
5. A RegSvr32 window should appear that says, “DllRegisterServer in C:Program FilesAutodesk3ds Max 2018MaxThumbnailShellExt.dll succeeded.”
6. OK. Done!
