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KPS1941
Known Participant
July 31, 2023
Answered

Restoring Elements 2022 and its Database

  • July 31, 2023
  • 12 replies
  • 6080 views

I need technical assistance in restoring PSE and my photo database. The database consists of ~46 GB with 327 folders and 17,446 files. The files were heavily tagged for location, date, subjects, etc.

 

A Windows 11 failure caused my system to brick. After a effort by Dell Premium Support, they determine that the system had to been erased and Windows 11 and its updates had to be reloaded. Once this was completed, I then had to reload my apps and data files. I have dowloaded Photoshop Elements 2022 Version 20.0 LS30_win64.exe, but I have made no attempt to install it. My data backup was maintained by iDrive.com. I recovered the photo folders and files, returning them to the same logical heirarchy in which they were located before the system failure.

 

Attachments 1 through 4 show the folders, files and paths. Attachments 5 through 7 provide Computer and OS details.

 

Any guidance would be appreciated. Ideally, can I return this system to its original state where PSE 2022 can properly access the backed up files and associated tags? What is the best path to take on recovery?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer MichelBParis
    quote

     

    So, before you do anything else, I suggest you use the feature in Elements 2022 to backup the catalog structure.  You should also do a full backup of your catalog and media using the Elements Backup/Restore tools.  At an appropriate time, I think you should restore the catalog to the default location accessible by all users.  And your media files should be restored to a new location such as C:\My photos (or to another drive entirely).  I can see your current structure being the source of problems in the future.


    By @Greg_S.

     

    If I may add...

     

    1 - Creating a backup folder and checking that it contains a backup.tly file is of course highly recommended, even if it takes time.

    2 - However, the only way to be sure the backup works is to restore it.

    3 - Restoring it also takes time!  But if you restore on an external drive, the same internal drive may be plugged to any other computer and the already tested restore will work immediately from any other computer with the same PSE version.

     

    Think about it and create the backup folder in a night job.

    Then also think about restoring it to a dedicated external drive the next night.

     

    By the way, my main computer won't boot and access the bios features since one week. No big problem, my restored catalog version works perfectly on my wife's own PSE2023 licence on her laptop. It will work also in the computer in my country home. I can even use the restored backup folder to a new (or repaired) computer.

     

    That's well worth two night jobs!

     

    12 replies

    Show previous replies
    Greg_S.
    Community Expert
    Greg_S.Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 1, 2023

    Hi @KPS1941.  First, you need to install Elements 2022 on your new OS installation.   If you double-click the downloaded exe file, it should install the program fairly automatically.  (I assume you have the serial number to go with it, but you don't need to worry about that until you use the Editor.  The Organizer does not require it.

     

    Next, you need to make sure the old catalog folder has been restored from your backups.  This is normally stored in the C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Elements Organizer\Catalogs folder.  If you have not renamed or created a new catalog, the folder probably has a name like My Catalog.  If your old catalog folder has already been restored to your new computer, look for a file named catalog.pse20db.  If you find it, double-click on this file and your old catalog should open in the Organizer.  If the media files have been restored to their original relative locations, you should be good to go.

    K
    KPS1941Author
    Known Participant
    August 1, 2023

    I really appreciate your help!

    #1--I have not yet installed PSE 2022.

    #2--I've located "C:\ProgramData\Adobe\". It does not contain the "Elements Organizer" folder; it contains only a folder labelled "ARM".

    #3--I've located the file named "catalog.pse20db". Its size is 94,701 KB. It is located in the folder "Elements 2022 Catalog". Here is the path:

    "C:\Users\kensy\2022 Elements Catalog\Elements 2022 Catalog\catalog.pse20db"

    #4--FYI, the media folders and files are contained in a folder named "Pictures" Here is the path:

    "C:\Users\kensy\2022 Elements Catalog\Users\Ken\Pictures"

    Given #2, above, am I stuck, or can the Elements Organizer folder be generated with the backup files that have been restored?

    kglad
    Community Expert
    kgladCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    August 1, 2023

    in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

    p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post if it helps you get responses.



    <"moved from using the community">
    K
    KPS1941Author
    Known Participant
    September 23, 2023

    Greg_S. and I have worked together for several weeks to try to resolve my problem described in "Restoring Elements 2022 and its Database." I haven't haven't heard from him in a while, so I don't know what that means. Can my problem (with the path we've followed so far) be moved to a more appropriate location?

     

    I appreciate your help.

     

    Ken

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