Lightroom Classic v11.1 Synchronize Folder Deletes Virtual Copies

[MettaSong]

I am trying to update the organization of my files in Lightroom using Lightroom Classic v11.1. I regularly use the Synchronize Folder option to import photos that I have added to the a photo folder, but haven't imported into Lightroom yet.

I just did that and noticed that all my Virtual Copies with edits disappeared when I did that. I was able to recover the Virtual Copies by clicking Undo - and the new image I imported in remained.

But at this point, I'm terrified I just lost years worth of editing before I realized this was occurring, because I just selected synchronize folder for main folder that includes tons of subfolders.

I always considered the "Remove Missing Photos from the Catalog" option as something that would remove the file if the original file wasn't present - not also remove the Virtual copies of any image that still has the original image file present.

Am I missing something here? I don't recall this always happening, because I've been using this function for years and don't recall this happening before. The beauty of Lightroom was it is "non-destructive" but this is error is pretty destructive.

[KR Seals]

What type of computer and operating system version are you using? Exact version # of LrC?

Did this operation remove all virtual copies in all of your folders or just the folder you synchronized?

I just gave this a try on a folder that had one image that wasn't in LrC yet. The virtual copy I had in that folder along with the not yet imported image were there after the folder synchronization. 

The first thing I would do in this situation is reset LrC preferences. That is a good thing to try anytime LrC starts doing strange things. I am on a PC with Win 10 and LrC V 11.1

Also, be sure your catalog is backed up through the LrC backup, checking the integrity and optimization.

[dj_paige]

Use a backup of your catalog file that still has the virtual copies.

I haven't tried Synchronize Folders with virtual copies, but Synchronize Folders will remove files from Lightroom Classic that do not exist on your hard disk in that folder. My advice is to not use Synchronize Folders without being 100% sure of the repercussions.

As far as your non-destructive comment ... Lightroom Classic doesn't do destructive things unless YOU the Lightroom Classic user, gives a command that causes destruction. Then you get destruction.

[Rob_Cullen]

FYI-

Dangers of Synchronize Folder