Issues with .lrcat file and "folder could not be found" error

[NotAnselAdams]

I inadvertently moved the lrcat file to my NAS where all my images are stored.  Lightroom had a fit when I next opened it, so I moved it back.  That didn't solve the issue and now I get a "The folder could not be found error."

All my images are stored on an NAS and are still there.  How do I point Lightroom to the images?  Also, if I'm going to lose all the edits I've done over the years, can I take this opportunity to reorganize my folder of images into something that makes more sense compared to how I haphazardly did it originally? 

[DClark064]

Go to the folder where the lrcat is located and double click the file to start LrC.

[NotAnselAdams]

You have no idea how badly I wanted it to be that easy.  🙂 

Sadly, while double-clicking the lrcat file does open Lightroom, I still get "The folder could not be found" error.  

[JohanElzenga]

Your folder panel is hidden. Right-click in the header of any other panel. That will show a menu for toggling the visibility of the panels.

[DClark064]

He is in Develop mode so the Folders panel will not show.  He first needs to go to Library mode (E key).

Regardless, when I close the Folder panel and then shift to Develop I don't get the error message he is seeing.

I would suggest using the menu Windows > Panels > Toggle All Panels.  Then go to the Library module, right click in the left panel and select "Show All".  Then see what folders are visible and what error messages may appear.

[JohanElzenga]

Right, I did not look closely enough to the screenshot. I must say that I have never seen this error.

[NotAnselAdams]

Thank you for helping me out.

I switched to Library view and showed the toolbars.  Interestingly, it's showing folders in a D drive which I do not have.  All my photos are on a Synology NAS with the drive named "P."  Lightroom shows about 1,200 photos but the correct number on the P drive is circa 18,000.  

[JohanElzenga · Accepted solution]

Are you sure you haven't inadvertently opened a very old catalog? I notice you are still using Lightroom 6 in this screenshot. Do you really use this version of Lightroom?

[NotAnselAdams]

I do use the old version of Lightroom.  The newer version crushes my old laptop.  I'll be upgrading the computer soon--within a few months, probably, so then I can upgrade. 

Your question about an older version of LRCAT was spot on!  I looked at backup files and found one that was from a backup before the LRCAT file was moved.  I opened that and got everything back--or at least close enough.  Thank you!