Lightroom Classic no longer starting, temp files being created and deleted over and over.

[peterm64447316]

I used Lightroom Classic today to import and edit 631 images, did some editing, exports, closed the apllication and allowed it to backup the catalogue. I now find that LrC will not open, and that lrcat.lock, lrct-shm and lrcat-wal files are continually being created and deleted in the current catalogue folder (version 13.3). Does this mean that my catalogue is corrupt, and if so how can I recover? As far as I know there have been no updates today to LrC or Windows 11.

[dj_paige]

No, these facts do not indicate corrupt catalog. The .LOCK file should be created every time you launch LrC and deleted when you close it. 

How far into the process of opening LrC do you get? Describe what happens in detail.

[peterm64447316]

I think I have already descibed that in as much detail as possible. As stated, "lrct-shm and lrcat-wal files are continually being created and deleted in the current catalogue  folder". I am aware that the .lock file is created for every session, and in fact it is being created just once, not continually created and deleted.

[peterm64447316]

Thank you all for your responses.  I decided that attempting recovery was getting nowhere so I just restored this morning's backup. Problem solved.

[peterm64447316]

temporaryRepairCatalog folders have also been created today so I am guessing that there must be some corruption. I do have a recent backup so I'm not too concerned. I will wait to see what transpires, but it's odd that no messages have been displayed.

[GoldingD]

Perhaps see:

• Troubleshoot corrupt catalog

perhaps the "Troubleshoot Corrupt Catalog" part of that link

make sure you have a backup first.

[peterm64447316 · Accepted solution]

Thank you all for your responses.  I decided that attempting recovery was getting nowhere so I just restored this morning's backup. Problem solved.