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MikeAdkinsArt
Inspiring
March 30, 2025
Answered

Latest Version of Adobe Lightroom Classic Error when deleting pictures - Mac OS

  • March 30, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 590 views

Issue with Adobe Lightroom Classic.

Latest Mac OS Installed

Latest update on Lightroom Classic

Photos are stored on an external SSD Drive formatted ExtaFat.

Lightroom has full disk access in Permissions.

Lightroom is added to Permissions for full access.

 

Issue when in Adobe Lightroom Classic and in the Library Grid View and selecting an image, then select delete the image, then select from the drive, the warning dialog box “Delete Permanently” comes up and I select the button Permanently  Delete Files.  At this point Lightroom goes Black and then an error Dialog Box “An internal error has occurred.  ?:0 attempt to index a nil value. 

 

When I cancel the error occurs The file named “untitled-215.ORF” could not be moved to the Trash folder.

 

When the error occurs the image is not erased from the SSD drive.

 

But, when I go through Finder I am able to erase an image on the SSD drive, then the image shows in the desktop waste basket, and I can permanently delete the file.  So, it is not the OS, or the SSD drive, but Lightoom that is having the error.  I have reinstalled Lightroom and I have checked the permissions, and everything seems correct. 


Please advise.

Correct answer MikeAdkinsArt

The problem is resolved. Odd fix.  Open Lightroom, then find a picture you wish to delete, open it in Finder and delete the file, then go back to Lightroom and not only is that picture gone but now when you delete a file in Lightroom it operates correctly.  Very odd but it is working now

3 replies

J
joshkates
Participant
April 14, 2025

This worked - I deleted a file in Finder as directed above. Went back to LR and the image was still visible but it could not be deleted because LR said "file not in LR" - I went to different folder inside LR, went back to the original folder with the file I couldn't delete and it was gone. I then removed a different file from LR (and remvoed from disk) and the error was gone. I am now able to delete files from LR normally (meaning I can delete from disk and they go to the trash folder - Idon't get that error anymore). Thank you MikeAdkinsart!!

C
Car_los
Participant
April 26, 2025

Hi; I tried as you explain but when I return to Lightroom the photo is still there; when i change the folder and return to the original one; the file is marked as  "not finded (!)"; I delete it from the collection, but  if I try to delete a different photo, LrC says 

Delete Permanently?

1 of these files could not be moved to the Trash.

/Volumes/X9 Pro/*...

The files are on a volume that does not support Trash. Do you want to delete them permanently?

 

Can you help with this?

Thanks in advance, Carlos.

    M
    MikeAdkinsArtAuthor
    Inspiring
    March 31, 2025

    Here is more updates and things we tried this morning.
    Lightroom Classic - Version 14.2

    MacOS - Sequoia 15.3.2

    Privacy and Settings - Adobe Lightroom has full Disc Access.


    Re-installed Adobe Lightroom Classic - with a clean Re-install.  Did not save preferences. 

    Then we re-formatted the SSD drive to APFS.

     

    Tried to create a new catalog and use the other external STATA drive,  and imported photos then tried to delete a photo, and still getting the error message. 

    After reinstalling Lightroom will delete the file but after deleting the file I still get an error message and the file does not appear in the trash can on the desktop as it is supposed to do.  

    Called Apple and the OS is operating properly.  I am able to delete files through Finder with no issue and the files from the external drive appear in the trash can.  As it is supposed to do.  

    So what we have eliminated is the following. 
    1. It is not the MacOS or computer.
    2. It is not the external drives or formatting.
    3. It is not that we do not have the latest version of Adobe Lightroom.

    The problem is with Lightoom Classic. 

    Please advise. 

     

    Thank you Sarmeer K

    M
    MikeAdkinsArtAuthorCorrect answer
    Inspiring
    March 31, 2025

    The problem is resolved. Odd fix.  Open Lightroom, then find a picture you wish to delete, open it in Finder and delete the file, then go back to Lightroom and not only is that picture gone but now when you delete a file in Lightroom it operates correctly.  Very odd but it is working now

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    March 31, 2025

    Hey, @MikeAdkinsArt. Welcome to the Lightroom Community. I'll help you figure this out. 

     

    Could you please share the version of Lightroom Classic & the macOS you are working on? Are any of these images missing?

     

    Please try this step on the external drive:

    • Search for Disk Utility from Finder's spotlight search or magnifying glass.
    • Run the 'First Aid' diagnostic on the external drive. Check this to learn more: https://adobe.ly/4jbQS7x
    • Restart the computer

    If this does not help, in the Library Module, go to the main menu at the top > Library > Find All missing photos, wait for Lightroom to refresh its link to the images, and check if the target images are missing or not.

    If the images are missing, try the steps shared here: https://adobe.ly/3XCAOmV

     

    Let me know how it goes. 

    Thanks!

    Sameer K

    (Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

    C
    Cassandra_Plavoukos6235
    Participant
    November 2, 2025

    I have a similar issue

     

    MAC Sequoia15.6

    Lightroom Classic 15.0

    4TB SSD Drive (Re-formatted from APFS to MAC OS Extended (Journaled) because I learned that LR Classic relies on MAC’s built-in Trash system for the “Delete from Disk” function. When your eternal drives are formatted as APFS, MAC OS treats them like system disks- they don’t get a .Trashes folder, and LR can’t create or access one).

    Lightroom has full disk access in Permissions.

    MAC OS has file permissions.

     

    When I try to delete an image or multiple images, I get the following error message: The files are on a volume that does not support Trash. Do you want to delete them permanently?

     

    I select delete permanently, and nothing happens.

     

    I try again, and get another error message: The file named “1234_5678_086.NEF” could not be moved to the Trash folder.

     

    There are no missing files, folders, or photos.

     

    I am able to delete image/s from the SSD drive via finder- they go  directly to the trash can and I am able to empty the trash can with no issues.

     

    I have Run the 'First Aid' diagnostic on the external SSD drive. It has no issues.

     

    I tried creating a new .Trashes folder manually

     

    I tried container reset command (which re-registers LR with Mac OS’s privacy database.

     

    I have quit and re-started LR Classic several times

     

    I have restarted the computer several times.

     

    I tried MikeAdkinsArt ’s suggestion. It did not work for me.

     

    It is NOT a MAC OS, SSD drive, or formatting issue. It is a Lightroom Classic issue. Can you please advise.

     

    I need to be able to batch delete multiple images at a time.

     

    Thanks.

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