Delete 3 of 4 catalogs in Elements 15

Question

I've made a mess of things over a period of years in connection with 4 Catalogs (all in elements 15/Windows 10 now). There is a lot of photo file duplications across the 4, though I only use one Catalog now. I want to get rid of the other 3 Catalogs, but since each has some 'unique" files I'm worried about losing them if I just delete the Catalog(s). Can you give me some safe procedure to follow? Lastly, there are hundreds of files in my main Media view which have a "B" prefix...I'm thinking they are related to hard disk files. Should I just delete these from the catalog but not from the hard drive?

I hope I've been clear enough to enable an reply; if not, I'll try to provide any add'l info you need.

Thanks,

Norm.

MichelBParis · Answer

I think what you want to do is to merge those different catalogs.

That's not a simple task and that explains it is highly recommended to use only one catalog.

Photoshop Elements 6/7/8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To simplify, you may have mainly to use your main catalog and import all the files on your computer, the already present files in the master catalog won't be duplicated.

Lastly, there are hundreds of files in my main Media view which have a "B" prefix...I'm thinking they are related to hard disk files. Should I just delete these from the catalog but not from the hard drive?

Those files starting with 'B00...' are in a backup folder. They are renamed copies to enable the 'restore' feature of the organizer. You should not import them, the backup folders are for the use of the restore feature only.

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