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rbatey
Inspiring
May 18, 2025
Answered

Can't open LRC- error message about parent folder

  • May 18, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 445 views

I’m trying to get Lightroom Classic running on a new Mac M4 Pro Mini (Sequoia 15.5) 

but it won’t open even though it opens and runs fine on my old machine (2017 iMac OS Ventura 13.7).

Error message reads "The Lightroom catalog cannot be used because the parent folder “/Users/Robert/Pictures/Lightroom/Arrowmont” does not allow files to be created within it. Please either fix the folder permissions before continuing or choose a different catalog."

The catalogs are stored in their default location, in folders within the Pictures folder.

 

From reading various forum threads here’s what I have tried so far:

Choosing different catalogs produces the same error.

 

Permissions of the Catalog file is set to Robert (Me), staff, everyone Read and Write. 

Permissions of the Pictures folder (applied to all enclosed items) is set to Robert (Me), staff, everyone Read and Write 

 

Tried resetting LRC Preferences

 

Tried clean install LRC. Uninstalled using the Uninstaller app in Creative Cloud. Chose not to keep Preferences. Reinstalled LRC from Creative Cloud app, restarted Mac. Same error

 

Restarted in Safe Mode, same error.

 

Checked Privacy and Security settings-

Full Disk Access- Adobe Lightroom Classic is toggled On

Files and Folders>Adobe Lightroom Classic- all options are On

Photos Adobe- Adobe Lightroom Classic is set to full access

Accessibility- Adobe Lightroom Classic is toggled On

Automation- Adobe Lightroom Classic settings are all toggled On

 

Tried dragging an old backup catalog to the desktop and opening that. Same error

Correct answer rbatey

Hi @Aleke, I have had some success with getting LRC to open the catalogs!

I found some older catalogs, that were created with an older version of LRC and had never been upgraded. When I attempted to open one of those I got the message asking if I wanted to upgrade the catalog to the current version. Clicking Continue converted and opened the old catalog! Once LRC opened I was able to go to File>Open and open all my current catalogs.

I don't understand why that worked when nothing else would but I am happy to be able to get back to work again!

1 reply

A
Community Manager
AlekeCommunity Manager
Community Manager
May 19, 2025

Hey @rbatey! I totally get how frustrating that can be.

Quick question: what version of Lightroom Classic are you using? Also, just to rule out the basics, could you double-check that all the catalog files (like the .lrcat-data, .lr-previews, and any other related files) are in the same folder?

And is your catalog stored on an external drive by any chance?

Thanks a bunch!
Alek

*(If you mention me with an @, like @Aleke, I’ll get a notification and can respond faster.)*
R
rbateyAuthor
Inspiring
May 19, 2025

Hi @Aleke thanks for the reply. I'm not at my computer now, but I assume I'm using the latest version of LRC. I just uninstalled using the Creative Cloud app, and reinstalled also using the app. All the lrcat etc files are in place. All catalogs are stored on the internal SSD, and I physically unplugged the backup drive just to assure I wasn't trying to open that copy. 

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