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cmscss
Inspiring
July 17, 2018
Answered

Library moved: 'The selected folder is already in Lightroom'

  • July 17, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 2745 views

Hi There,

I have a new Images drive and copied the entire Lightroom Library folder (images, catalogues, backups etc) to the new drive and opened the catalogue. I then imported some images (to the library on the new drive).

But on the left, I now see confusing feedback (see attached).

The new images show on the new drive (ArchiveVolume) but the original library displays a question mark (Home RAID). If I right click and choose 'Find missing image' I see the warning;

'The selected folder or one of its subfolders is already in Lightroom. Do you want to combine these folders?'

QUESTIONS:

1.

Can I just remove the question mark library?

2.

How do I get the old images to show in the new library under ArchiveVolume (only the new 7 images show)?

Cheers

Ben

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Rob_Cullen

    I suggest that there are photos in the {2012} folder and sub-folders that also are already in the Catalog. Hence the error.

    As it is only 7 files, I suggest you "Remove" the {2012} folder of photos from the catalog (Do NOT "Delete from H-Drive), then try the re-link of the {Lightroom Library} folder by a right-click on the folder and "Update folder location".

    1 reply

    Rob_Cullen
    Community Expert
    Rob_CullenCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 17, 2018

    You need to read this article- https://www.lightroomqueen.com/move-photos-another-hard-drive-leaving-catalog/

    Your address book is a database of your known people contacts.

    If they change address you alter their data in the address book.

    You do not start a new address book (or a new 'contact' page) for their new location.

    Likewise-

    The Lightroom Catalog is a database.

    If your photos change location (to another H-Drive) you simply change the catalog data to show the new location.

    You do not make new entries in the catalog by Importing the photos a second time.

    Do NOT Import!!! (or Synchronize folders!!)

    Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.3, Photoshop 27.5, ACR 18.3, Lightroom 9.3, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.3 .
    C
    cmscssAuthor
    Inspiring
    July 17, 2018

    But that's what I did - to be clear, I didn't receive that warning when trying to re-import anything (and I do understand that a database is involved).

    I received the warning after clicking the folder with the question mark, and choosing 'Find Missing Folder'

    Rob_Cullen
    Community Expert
    Rob_CullenCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    July 17, 2018

    I suggest that there are photos in the {2012} folder and sub-folders that also are already in the Catalog. Hence the error.

    As it is only 7 files, I suggest you "Remove" the {2012} folder of photos from the catalog (Do NOT "Delete from H-Drive), then try the re-link of the {Lightroom Library} folder by a right-click on the folder and "Update folder location".

    Regards. My System: Windows-11, Lightroom-Classic 15.3, Photoshop 27.5, ACR 18.3, Lightroom 9.3, Lr-iOS 10.4.0, Bridge 16.0.3 .
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