How to Delete Entire Catalog on MacBook Pro

Question

I want to delete all the files and folders I have in PSE 2020. Photos are all mixed up in the wrong folders. Once they were in the correct folders.

From Tree view, I plan to delete all the dated folders and some of the unusual ones named 1, 2, 3, etc. Then I plan to attach my external hard drive, my backup, and re-install my photo catalog. Is this the correct way I should handle this situation on a MacBook Pro? I welcome any guidance, including step-by-step advice.

99jon · Accepted Answer

It’s probably best to start a new catalog rather than deleting folders and importing from an external drive. I assume you mean a Time Machine backup. You don’t want to restore from an Elements backup otherwise you will be re-creating same mess.

From Organizer go to:

File > Manage Catalogs

Click New

Choose a name e.g. MyCatlog2 or whatever you prefer (you can skip the mp3 music files unless you intend to use the tracks in slideshows) then click OK

When the new empty catalog opens you are ready to import photos on your connected dive.

N.B. You will need to re-create keywords, albums etc. although any metadata embedded in files can be picked up,on import by choosing select all.

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