Normally in a folder with images in Windows XP you have following view options to preview files:

• Filmstrip
• Thumbnails
• Titles
• Icons
• List
• Details

In some cases “Filmstrip” option may be missing. To resolve check following:

Open any folder > Tools > Folder Option > General > Tasks
Make sure Show common tasks in folders is selected.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, right click on the folder in question
Properties > Customize > What kind of folder do you want
Select Pictures (best for many files)

Windows XP SP3