Lightroom fails to import pictures - unknown error

[geoheil]

Since recently my lightroom started to fail to import pictures.

When I create a new fresh catalog it works fine. However, when trying to re-import that new catalog into my old one LR fails with an unknown error.

How can this be fixed and I will be able to import pictures again?

I am using 12.2.1

[Sean McCormack]

Does use File>Optimize Catalog make a difference? Normally I'd suspect preferences here, but as it's working on a new catalog, it means it's the current catalog. 

Another option is to go to All Photographs in the Catalog panel, then go to File>Export as Catalog. No need to include the originals as they're still in place. 

You'll lose any Publish Services that are active, but the process creates a cleaner catalog. Open the new catalog by double clicking on it. 

Also make sure Full Disk Access is turned on. 

https://www.solve.uk.com/post/how-to-grant-full-disk-access-in-macos-ventura

[geoheil]

Indeed, I did something similar by manually importing the old catalog into the new one.

As LR works with a new catalog - the full disk access property cannot be the root cause.

Is there any chance I could keep the publish services?

However, when enabling full disk access the old catalog can re-import the fresh one (which failed previously)

[Sean McCormack]

Export as catalog doesn't keep Publish Services. It's the one issue I have with it.

The main issue I have going your route is that Import from Another Catalog completely locks Lightroom out and uses the old Lightroom 2 import dialog. But, that said, it should work fine now that you can actually import it and don't mind the wait. 

[johnrellis]

"As LR works with a new catalog - the full disk access property cannot be the root cause."

Not necessarily.  When LR doesn't have Full Disk Access granted, it can behave very strangely.  Triple-check that it is granted:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/quick-tips-how-to-give-full-disk-access...

[geoheil]

I am trying to import some images again. Now, the access is granted - strangely, LR still silently fails to import.

When using an empty catalog it works - and then when back-importing that catalog into LR it works again - but this really is not good.

Where can I see some logs why it is failing in the first place?

[geoheil]

Strangely: When creating a folder and enabling automatic import - that option works. Only the direct import screen fails. Still - this is super annoying. How can I get the logs to see what is failing in the first place?