I just started using Android Studio 1.3 sdk 24 and it has worked fine until today. I get this error message about cache.properties and I delete that cache file but now I am
You don't have to reinstall Android Studio or no need to delete all .gradle folder.
I am reinstalled the latest version of Android Studio and still I faced that problem. It caused my to rename the "Android Projects" folder on my desktop in my case.
The only thing that you have to do:
1-Navigate to C:\Users\user_name.gradle\caches\2.4 or (2.8 if error in it otherwise)
2-Copy the folder "2.4" or "2.8" and paste it somewhere safe just in case anything went wrong you will place it back
3-Delete this error folder from the directory C:\Users\user.gradle\caches\2.4\ (or \2.8)
4-Close the Android studio & restart it.
During restart it sync your project & Android Studio will generate new cache files.
It worked for me I hope it will work for you... :)