Deleted files remain on disk

[guitman423]

My photos root folder grew to 1TB, and it seems as though Lightroom has not deleted any of the files that I asked it to. I always import photos, then ask Lightroom to delete from disk the ones I don't want - but those are all still on disk. Therefore, my catalog and my disk are out of sync. Is there any way to determine which files need to be removed from disk?

Basically, I'm looking for a procedure/script that will delete all files from disk that are not present in my catalog. Thoughts?

[Just Shoot Me]

Is this on an external or internal drive?

How is that drive formatted?

What operating system are you using?

[guitman423]

Is this on an external or internal drive? - Internal

How is that drive formatted? - NTFS

What operating system are you using? - Windows 10

[cmgap]

Are the deleted files in the original folder or are they showing up in your un-emptied trash?

[guitman423]

Are the deleted files in the original folder or are they showing up in your un-emptied trash?

They are in the original folder, not in unemptied trash. This is where I identified the problem, because they should have all been in the trash.

[Rob_Cullen]

And-  Is it possible you imported images already on the Hard-drive using the "Copy" option? which would make a second copy of every photo imported. Delete-from-disk the one (copy) in the Lr catalog and it is gone, but the other (the original) will remain.

[guitman423]

And-  Is it possible you imported images already on the Hard-drive using the "Copy" option? which would make a second copy of every photo imported. Delete-from-disk the one (copy) in the Lr catalog and it is gone, but the other (the original) will remain.

Hmm, you may be on to something. This catalog was imported from a images already on drive in the first place, perhaps the copy option was used. I'll be able to verify this later today.

Nonetheless, any recommendations for how to now fix this situation? Is there any way to reconcile the catalog with the files-on-disk, with an option to remove the files on disk that do not exist in the catalog?

[Abambo]

One way I could imagine:

• Optional: Mark existing pictures with a keyword (to be sure to be able to select those and keep them apart, if following steps fail)
• Import (Synchronize Folder) the new pictures
• They enter in a "Previous import" -> select -> delete

NB: You may also attribute a keyword "DELETE" during import. Identifies the pictures to be deleted!

[Just Shoot Me]

If those image file are no longer in the catalog just use "File Explorer" (the Windows file manager) to delete them.

If they are all jumbled up with other images then Re-import them, Sync folder, then cull them again.

I don't think you have a problem but you did use the Copy command when doing the original import. The only way to tell is select some other images and use the Remove Photos then Delete from disk and then check that they have been moved to the trash.

Also if you haven't, reboot your system first.

[Abambo]

Just to be sure: you chose "Delete from Disk" and not "Remove"...?

[guitman423]

Just to be sure: you chose "Delete from Disk" and not "Remove"...?

That is what I have done all along, but they files are still on disk in the original location, just no longer referenced in my catalog.

[Guest]

To reduce problem try Long Path Tool!

[Abambo]

How will that help?

[cmgap]

This helped me out when I was cleaning out a clients rogue catalog and it is still working well... http://terrywhite.com/time-to-say-goodbye-to-those-photos/

Let us know if this works for you too.

[PepinVonPamplemooth]

Same thing here but only with tif files!!?? Jpg no problem. Running lightroom classic, on Mac Monterey, files all on external drive.

[Rikk Flohr: Photography]

You’ve posted to a very old thread. It is highly unlikely that the issue described in this thread, though not impossible, is the same issue which you are currently experiencing. Rather than resurrect an old thread that is seemingly similar, you are better posting to a new thread with fresh, complete information including system information, a complete description of the problem and step-by-step instructions for reproduction. 

In the unlikely event the issue is the same, we will merge you back into the appropriate location. 

Thank you!