Skip to main content
B
Barry5C80
Participating Frequently
June 7, 2026
Answered

I uploaded about 50 photo files into Lightroom Classic and worked on some of them. Today Lightroom can not find them. I can locate them in the files without names but can not work on them. HELP!

  • June 7, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 62 views

The AI function interferes with my ability to get an answer. It only provides data on unrelated issues.

I have been using Lightroom classic for more than a decade. I uploaded about 50 photo files into Lightroom classic a week ago and worked on some of them.

Today, they are not listed in the collections panel by date on the left like all of the other files I have uploaded over the years. The newer files are always listed at on the bottom of that panel. I can only find them in the section of files without key words. When I pull them up  I get a (File can not be found.) on all of them. I did not move them, at least I did not intend to move them, but thy are not accessible to someone with my limited skill set. Of course, I had to delete them to use my only memory card to update the camera firmware.

Is it possible to recover these files? Or am I screwed? Can someone blessed with natural stupidity provide and answer? Thanks

    Correct answer dj_paige

    What type of camera card were these photos on? SD-card, CFExpress Card, other?

     

    A possibility is that you Imported (not “uploaded”) the photos into Lightroom Classic accidentally using Add, which if your photos were on a CFExpress card, are still on the card, and if you erased the card, they are gone.

     

    Another possibility is that while doing the Import, you have accidentally copied the files into a folder where you don’t expect them to be. Please follow all four of these steps and see if you can find the photos:

     

    1. Click on All Photographs (in the LrC Library Module on the left under Catalog)
    2. In the LrC Library Module: Turn off all filters (Ctrl-L once or twice)
    3. In the LrC library module: Expand all stacks (Photo→Stacking → Expand All Stacks)
    4. Using the LrC Library Module filter bar, search for one of these lost photos by file name.

     

    Finally, a word of advice: from now on, do not format your camera cards until you are 100% sure that have copied the photos onto your computer and made proper backups of them.

    3 replies

    B
    Barry5C80Author
    Participating Frequently
    June 7, 2026

    Thanks for the help, gentlemen.

    dj_paige
    dj_paigeCorrect answer
    Legend
    June 7, 2026

    What type of camera card were these photos on? SD-card, CFExpress Card, other?

     

    A possibility is that you Imported (not “uploaded”) the photos into Lightroom Classic accidentally using Add, which if your photos were on a CFExpress card, are still on the card, and if you erased the card, they are gone.

     

    Another possibility is that while doing the Import, you have accidentally copied the files into a folder where you don’t expect them to be. Please follow all four of these steps and see if you can find the photos:

     

    1. Click on All Photographs (in the LrC Library Module on the left under Catalog)
    2. In the LrC Library Module: Turn off all filters (Ctrl-L once or twice)
    3. In the LrC library module: Expand all stacks (Photo→Stacking → Expand All Stacks)
    4. Using the LrC Library Module filter bar, search for one of these lost photos by file name.

     

    Finally, a word of advice: from now on, do not format your camera cards until you are 100% sure that have copied the photos onto your computer and made proper backups of them.

    B
    Barry5C80Author
    Participating Frequently
    June 7, 2026

    I am using a CF Express card, but have formatted the card to several times to update the camera firmware that Canon has sent out very recently.

    gary_sc
    Community Expert
    gary_scCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 7, 2026

    Hi, ​@Barry5C80, Hmmm, sounds like they were placed on an external drive that is not currently attached. You are correct that you can see the files, but not work on them becuase LRC needs to have access to the original files (or a Smart Preview) to make any enhancements.

    First off, are you using a Mac or PC.

    Next, Yes, I did read that you’ve used LRC for some ten years, but please elaborate on how you import files into LRC. Please explain from the time you take the image card out of the camera until done. What settings, where do you normally save them, are they stored on your computer or an external drive, do you Copy, Copy as DNG, Move, or Save?

    Simply, the more we know, the better chance we have of helping you.

    Oh, in a worst case senario, have you reformatted that camera card yet?

    B
    Barry5C80Author
    Participating Frequently
    June 7, 2026

    First, thanks for responding so quickly, Gary.  I insert the CF express card into a Prograde card reader connected to my Windows 11 work station. I recently moved to a mirrorless camera after using Canon 5D11, 5D111, and 5DSR cameras. I import them into Lightroom Classic and start processing the images as I have time to do so. I did not change the destination for the download, or more accurately, I did not change the destination for the upload. My workstation has a 2TB drive, so I do not use an external drive, except for backup. I usually save the images when I close Lightroom classic. (I admit that I am a digital idiot, frequently creating problems for myself. Once is set things up I don’t change them intentionally.

    Canon came up with two firmware updates in close succession and I reformatted the memory card twice to accommodate the upgrades, so the images are gone. 

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices