Catalog doesn't link to photos after restore to new PC

Question

New PC, downloaded LR from Adobe, backed up and restored photos. Everything is there just as on old PC but get 'photo missing' message when bringing up catalog. When I go through all the recommended steps in manuals, forums, blogs etc, e.g., locate and find others nearby, LR finds them but they are grayed out as if already imported. Catch 22 -- can't find them but can't re-link them because it thinks they are there.

Food for thought although don't understand why would make a difference:

1) I downloaded new LR software rather than moving copy from old PC (both LR CC)

2) I renamed photos on import (file rename, custom name-sequence) to avoid duplication between memory cards. For example, DSC_0001JPG became KENYA_2016_0001JPG. Again, old PC handles it with no issues.

How can I 're-link' my catalogs to photos master on new PC?

Thanks!

dj_paige · Accepted Answer

You didn't put the photos in the exact same location as on the old PC. If you can put them there, that will fix the problem.

Otherwise, you can fix the problem via Adobe Lightroom - Find moved or missing files and folders

ManiacJoe · Answer

If you did not put the images into the exact same folder structure on the new computer as they were on the old computer, including the drive letter, then Lightroom will not know where you put them.

Use the link in DJ's post. You need to fix the missing folders before trying to fix the missing images.

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