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GHBlue
Participant
April 2, 2018
Answered

Installing on new computer--all photos currently on new computer but back up catalog on external hard drive

  • April 2, 2018
  • 1 reply
  • 521 views

I am setting up a new computer.  I have copied all the photos from the old computer to the new computer to an identical address, ie. C:\Picture Organizer.  I have the backup catalog on an external hard drive.  When I started to restore it to the c:drive it said an identical folder already existed and asked if I wanted the files to be added to the same folder.   I was afraid I might end up with duplicate photos if I accepted.  Since I have over 4000 photos I didn't want that to happen.  Can you tell me if the actual photos are backed up with the catalog backup or are they only thumbnails.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Michael J. Hoffman

    I'm not sure, but what if you changed the name of the Picture Organizer folder (at least temporarily) to something like "C:\MyPictureOrganizerBackup" and then try restoring the catalog from the external drive. This way, if it adds the files to the original folder, you're not creating duplicates, and you can delete the backup once you're sure the new files are properly restored.

    Mike

    1 reply

    Michael J. Hoffman
    Community Expert
    Michael J. HoffmanCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 2, 2018

    I'm not sure, but what if you changed the name of the Picture Organizer folder (at least temporarily) to something like "C:\MyPictureOrganizerBackup" and then try restoring the catalog from the external drive. This way, if it adds the files to the original folder, you're not creating duplicates, and you can delete the backup once you're sure the new files are properly restored.

    Mike

    G
    GHBlueAuthor
    Participant
    April 2, 2018

    Thanks for your thought. I did as you suggest and it does recreate all the photos in the original position. I couldn’t believe it could do it so fast. When I copy the folder to another drive it takes forever but the backup takes a lot less even going to the same external hard drive.

      G
      glitterophelia
      Participating Frequently
      March 3, 2022

      Still wondering...are they actual photos or just links to the actuals. (Or links to thumbnails of the actuals?  I am not clear about what the original poster was doing, btw.  Did he have external drive with all photos from old computer PLUS a backup of his catalog and was trying to bring both or one (probably just the catalog??) over to new computer?  I have neither. Just new to Elements 22 and trying to figure out what to do with my two laptop's photos plus any stored in my Dropbox.  Thanks

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