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Inspiring
October 9, 2021
Question

Import Destination not available

  • October 9, 2021
  • 4 replies
  • 527 views

I've read through most of the other posts but none hit the mark. 

To simplfy the scenario, whenever I go top nav > File> Import Files and Video I get an error that the folder doesnt exist. It doesn't. It was from a previous drive that's unmonted. It's caching it somehere and I can't find it. I've restarted, I've physcially unhooked the drive, and Ive checked all the prefs in LRC.

Help. 

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4 replies

Rob_Cullen
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 10, 2021

I am taking images from a desktop folder and importing them into a folder on the EHD. It thinks they are all duplicates and wont allow.

Are these images already 'Imported' to the Catalog from the original location on the "desktop folder"?

If you search the Catalog 'All Photographs' -do these images appear in the library?

If you answer- Yes, then you cannot Import these images a second time, with 'Copy' to another drive. They will appear greyed-out.

 

 

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .
Inspiring
October 10, 2021

I see - so LRC will see them as duplicates if they're anywhere in the catalogue, regardless of where they come from.

Still havent figured out the stupid import error dialogue.

 

 

Rob_Cullen
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 11, 2021

"so LRC will see them as duplicates if they're anywhere in the catalogue, regardless of where they come from."

Yes!

 

Import once. Then if you want the files in another location- Drag&Drop them in the Folder panel. Or, better still, when you Import initially, place the files in the location that will be their "final resting place" in your drive system.

Make LrC reference ONE file only, and all other 'copies' are backups (not referenced in the Catalog).

MOVING PHOTOS- 2 Methods

Catalog FAQ

Clean Up Your Files and Folders in Lightroom | Laura Shoe's Lightroom Training Tutorials and Tips

 

 

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .
JohanElzenga
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 10, 2021

Most likely you have one or more import presets that still point to this non-existing folder.

 

-- Johan W. Elzenga
Inspiring
October 10, 2021

nope.

nothing there.

 

Rob_Cullen
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 10, 2021

I see you are Importing (by a Copy) photos from a {Galaxy} drive sub-folder, to a Drive called  {Universe_Local}.

But your Destintaion Folder shown as selected {Temp} is not the same as the Folder in the Error message! Is Lightroom changing the Destination without your intervention?

As @F. McLion asks- Do you have full permissions for the Folder- {PHOTO/@MASTERS/@INCOMING/Canon5D/191026} ?

 

I also wonder if you might have some Catalog Corruption as your 'Source' is showing Duplicate Drives-

Although this 'duplicate' error (for those that see it) is more commonly reported in the Library Folder Panel.

DUPLICATE DRIVE displays same hard drive twice

 

 

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .
Inspiring
October 10, 2021

Rob

First off - thank you for the effort on your reply. Much appreciated.

One thing wasn't clear from the post - The error message I'm getting is from an old folder on a drive that has been unmounted. So, to answer your question - yes LRC is just assigning this path when I initiate an import.

The exmaple I gave from Galaxy to Universe_Local is simply from my hard drive to the external drive - shouldn't be a problem.

I've attached an example ( if I click through the error dialogue) in that I am taking images from a desktop folder and importing them into a folder on the EHD. It thinks they are all duplicates and wont allow. If I uncheck "Don't import Suspected Duplicates", the Import is avail but only for a portion of the photos ( the ones that are greyed ) The ones on Black backing arent' available. 

 

Ugh. 

Rob_Cullen
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 9, 2021

Where are you trying to Import from? A camera card, an existing folder on a hard-drive?

What do you see if you [left-click] on  "Select a Source"?

What does the error message say exactly? Post a screen-clip.

If using 'Copy' for the Import- What do you see as the Destination Folder in the Destination Panel?

Or are you using 'Add' for the Import?- From where?

Do you have [Make a Second Copy] checked 'on' in the Import File Handling Panel?

 

 

 

Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.1.1, Photoshop 27.3.1, ACR 18.1.1, Lightroom 9.0, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.2 .
Inspiring
October 10, 2021

it happens when I import from anywhere, actually as soon as I initiate import from anywhere. 

I get the error Desination Folder Not Avail, ect 

If I select a source on the left, and select content, and then a destination - no "Import" option - it's greyed out. 

I checked permissions, drive access. no import presets or other toggles that I can find 

 

F. McLion
Community Expert
Community Expert
October 10, 2021

The path not available is the one that you have set to import to:

Do you have full access (all privileges needed) to this folder?

Try to set a different location for testing purpose.

 

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