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Beachcolonist
Beachcolonist
Inspiring
October 20, 2019
Answered

Reasons star ratings can be lost with file movement

  • October 20, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 801 views

A client gave me 500+ RAW files on a thumb drive, instructing he'd "flagged" (starred) the 60+ files I was to edit in Bridge. I dragged the containing folder to my PC from the thumb drive using Windows Explorer, to two locations for surety, and opened in Bridge. Upon checking, there were no ratings on any file in either folder! I generally uncheck "show hidden files" but I for this issue I checked it and viola no xmp files. I presume he flagged (starred) the choices, and lost the xmps moving the files to the thumb drive. Doing some testing I reasserted that if you simply drag the files outside Bridge, you lose the sidecar xmp files, at least via Windows Explorer. Done inside Bridge, all is well.

 

I need to reassure my client that I did not screw up these files, without causing any bad relations telling him he really does not know how to use his software. I expect him to report soon, "I just looked at my copies, and yes I flagged those files!" inferring it is my mistake.

 

So I am here as I'd like to invite any corrections of my opinion that; while he most likely did star the files, he lost the ratings by dragging the files to the thumb drive via the Mac finder, or otherwise outside Bridge (he probably flagged file in a folder on his desktop, then drag copied that folder to a thumb drive icon on the desktop). That is, do I have this sussed out correctly, anything I am missing some other explanation, any other ideas?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Beachcolonist
    • I don't know what "dings" are,
    • I stated this is about missing xmps - therefore no database involved,
    • an update to Catalina would have been in my base explanation as fundamental to the case,
    • and it is I who originally proposed that the client moved the files without the sidecars.

     

    The issue was, and I quote my original note: "That is, do I have this sussed out correctly ...?" In fact, I did have it sussed out correctly, and that's what you might have usefully replied, just "Yeah looks like you covered it." I never asked a generic, "What happened?" I asked if my detective work looked good. Sorry you missed that hope I did not waste your time.

     

    Now here is something you may in fact be able to help me with, how do I close this inquiry? I don't see how I mark it finished.

    2 replies

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 20, 2019

    Well here are my possibilities:

    • The files were dngs with embedded metadata,  so none showed, and there was an error with Bridge. But you stated RAW, so I doubt that. 
    • He used the database method for storing XMP info, so in that case, again, there is no side car files, and when transferred the XMP info isn't moved.
    • The Client updated to Catalina,  and there was an error recording the XMP files
    • Or as I originally stated, the client only copied the files and not the XMP files.
    Beachcolonist
    BeachcolonistAuthorCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    October 20, 2019
    • I don't know what "dings" are,
    • I stated this is about missing xmps - therefore no database involved,
    • an update to Catalina would have been in my base explanation as fundamental to the case,
    • and it is I who originally proposed that the client moved the files without the sidecars.

     

    The issue was, and I quote my original note: "That is, do I have this sussed out correctly ...?" In fact, I did have it sussed out correctly, and that's what you might have usefully replied, just "Yeah looks like you covered it." I never asked a generic, "What happened?" I asked if my detective work looked good. Sorry you missed that hope I did not waste your time.

     

    Now here is something you may in fact be able to help me with, how do I close this inquiry? I don't see how I mark it finished.

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 20, 2019

    The question I would ask your client is if he included the XMP files? Often people who don't know what they are won't copy them with the main image file. No problem if you use bridge, to do so, but if you use your OS, this could be a problem.

    Beachcolonist
    BeachcolonistAuthor
    Inspiring
    October 20, 2019

    Not good. I stated there were no xmp files, "I checked it and viola no xmp files." So he could not have included them. And if he had included them, then the problem is on me, which I do not accept generically. I also made clear about file movement re Bridge vs OS, so that is an unhelpful reiteration.

     

    I was inviting any new points I might have overlooked from those with more experience in Bridge, before I go defend myself to my client. He needs to have full confidence in me, not partial confidence, and he needs to be treated gently, as he signs the checks. Will all due thanks for your help you seem to have not read my post very closely. But thank you very much for bothering to try.

     

    P.S. - For the record, speaking with a client is bit like being a lawyer in a court. You never ask a question that could get you an answer you do not want to hear. If you ask a client "Did you move the xmp files?" they might be honest and say no, but they can very easily just say "Yes!" especially if they are an underling employee trying to cover their keister. So no, you don't ask what you already know to be untrue and risk inviting more problems.

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    October 20, 2019

    Well, I've never heard of Bridge losing the XMP files. Only way that I've ever heard is that the person copying the files didn't copy the XMP, and you said that he got them from Finder, not Bridge, which further makes me think he didn't copy. So you can pound your head trying to figure away around this or just be up front and ask for the files again, and ask him to make sure he copies the xmp.

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