Skip to main content
MikeOnTheRun
MikeOnTheRun
Participant
February 27, 2023
Resuelto

Trying to import files from external hard drive

  • February 27, 2023
  • 1 respuesta
  • 910 visualizaciones

I've moved all of my RAW files onto an external hard drive (Seagate Expansion) and now am not able to import them into Lightroom Classic. I can see the files in my library, but it does not allow them to be checked or imported.

 

Este tema ha sido cerrado para respuestas.
Mejor respuesta de Jim Wilde

Do you want to move the actual catalog (the .lrcat database where all the data about your images - but not the images themselves - is stored), or just move the image library? 

 

If it's just the images that you want to move, and assuming the copy that you made on the external drive is still there, right-click on the "Photography" folder in the Folders Panel in the Library module and choose "Update Folder Location". A file browser window opens, use that to navigate to the "Photography" folder on the external drive, and select it. That will update the catalog database to re-link to the images on the external drive.

 

If that's not what you want, or if you've deleted that copy of the image library on the external drive, let us know.

 

If you are new to Lightroom Classic, Victoria Bampton has made a free Quick Start Guide (register at lightroomqueen.com to download a copy).

1 respuesta

Jim Wilde
Community Expert
Jim WildeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
February 27, 2023

Can you clarify please? Are the images that you moved already in your catalog, i.e. are you trying to re-import them thinking that's what you need to do to get LrC to recognise them on the new drive? If so, trying to import them again would be the wrong thing to do. Instead you should relink the existing catalog references to the new drive, using these instructions: https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-photos-missing-fix/

 

However, if that's not the situation we'll need more information. When you say you can "see the files in the library" are you meaning the grid display in the Import Dialog, or meaning in the grid display in the Library module (if you mean the Library module, that would support the first thought that you shouldn't be trying to re-import them). So a screenshot of what you are seeing would be helpful.

 

One other thought if you are running a later version of MacOS is to ensure that LrC has been given Full Disk Access. See here: https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/quick-tips-how-to-give-full-disk-access-to-lightroom-classic-on-macos/td-p/12913413

    MikeOnTheRun
    MikeOnTheRunAutor
    Participant
    February 27, 2023

    Hi! Man, this is great! Thanks so much.

    It appears that the first instance is the correct one. So I need to move my catalog info to the new drive. I’m brand new, so I only have one folder of 35 pictures in my entire catalog.
     
    I’ve read through the entire link you provided, and am unfortunately still confused.  I’ve restored my whole “Photography” (my name for the folder the RAW catalog is stored in) to its original place on the desktop. Could you tell me how to move my catalog to the external drive, with the intention of deleting them off of my desktop?
     
    Thanks so much for your time and attention. I hope to be good enough at this to pay it forward someday

     

    Jim Wilde
    Community Expert
    Jim WildeCommunity ExpertRespuesta
    Community Expert
    February 27, 2023

    Do you want to move the actual catalog (the .lrcat database where all the data about your images - but not the images themselves - is stored), or just move the image library? 

     

    If it's just the images that you want to move, and assuming the copy that you made on the external drive is still there, right-click on the "Photography" folder in the Folders Panel in the Library module and choose "Update Folder Location". A file browser window opens, use that to navigate to the "Photography" folder on the external drive, and select it. That will update the catalog database to re-link to the images on the external drive.

     

    If that's not what you want, or if you've deleted that copy of the image library on the external drive, let us know.

     

    If you are new to Lightroom Classic, Victoria Bampton has made a free Quick Start Guide (register at lightroomqueen.com to download a copy).

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