Persistent Catalog Corruption Issue in Lightroom Classic

[Karlene J]

I'm seeking advice and assistance from the knowledgeable members of this community.

The problem I'm facing is that my LR Classic catalog keeps indicating that it's corrupt. Despite running an integrity test multiple times and even creating a new catalog by importing from the existing one onto a new SSD drive, the issue persists. I'm at a loss as to what might be causing this and how to identify the actual root of the problem.

I'm wondering if anyone has experienced a similar situation and can offer guidance on how to troubleshoot or pinpoint the issue more effectively. Should I consider starting an entirely new catalog, and if so, what would be the best way to set it up, especially in terms of syncing? It has been quite some time since I've had to go through this process, and I want to make sure I do it right.

Typically, I prefer to operate from a single catalog, only resorting to separate catalogs when I need to share or cull images externally. In such cases, I bring that catalog back into my primary "All Images" LR catalog, which I also use for syncing across multiple devices through the cloud app while on the go.

Any advice, insights, or step-by-step suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!

{Moved from Lightroom Cloud to Lightroom Classic Forum by Moderator} 

[dj_paige]

Your hard disk is failing/malfunctioning, and most likely you should replace it. In the short run, please try copying the catalog file to a different disk and opening the catalog from that different disk by double-clicking on it.

[Sean McCormack]

When you say you've imported into a new SSD, I assume you mean you created a new Catalog on the SSD and then imported the old one into this new one. This really should solve it. If it's not, my next step would be to go to All Photographs, Select All, and then Save metadata to files, so that all my settings are with the files in case of non recoverable failure. This won't include collections, ratings or virtual copies, but if you filter on VC's in the Filter Bar, you can save the settings as a snapshot that saves to the master file. Worst case you can import these into a new catalog using Add and still have your settings and folder structure. 

If you're feeling brave you can investigate SQLite and the vacuum command.

[Sean McCormack]

On the note of SQLite, I just came across DB Browser for SQLite. There's an Execute SQL tab where you can enter VACUUM and hit the play button. Try it on a fresh backup of the catalog and run the backup to see if it remains working. 

[Karlene J]

Yes I created a new catalog on a new SSD drive, and imported the old catalog that kept saying it was currupt.  It was working fine but then again I got the same issue when trying to reload the new catalog after being shut down.   When I try to do this process again it shows me the screenshot attached.

[Sean McCormack]

I would try using DB Browser on a duplicate of the original catalog. 

[GoldingD]

Some links on corrupt catalogs. Some of this you have already addressed (integrity check comes to mind):

• https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/kb/troubleshoot-corrupt-catalog.html
• https://www.lightroomqueen.com/catalog-corruption-cause-prevention/
• https://www.lightroomqueen.com/disaster-strikes-corrupted-catalog/

Inquiry about the SSD drives

• These SD drive, are they internal or external?
• If external, and I am not a MACOS user, are they allowed to power down, to go asleep?
• If external, what type of connection, USB, Thunderbolt, etc?
• If external, is the cable sound?
• If external, are they overheating?
• IF external do you ever notice that they disconnected?

No idea if your MAC is a MACBook, a MAC Pro, iMAC, MAC Mini, or Studio. If any of the laptop, all in one, or minmalist ones (i.e. not the Pro) a few inquirys:

• Are your vents for cooling obstructed bby dust bunnys, or other obstructions?
• Is your MAC overheating
• Is your MAC if dependant upon a battery, running out of battery?
• Is your MAC Throttling down (due to overheating or power loss)

[Karlene J]

I have checked out the lightroom queen but ill have another look again on those links.  

Inquiry about the SSD drives

• These SD drive, are they internal or external? External - all LRcatalog is on a seperate brand new external SSD drive - all my images are on different external SSD drives.
• If external, and I am not a MACOS user, are they allowed to power down, to go asleep? - I have no Idea I use a Mac but i wouldnt know how to check this?
• If external, what type of connection, USB, Thunderbolt, etc? USB
• If external, is the cable sound? Sound? they are all in tact and brand new basically as i moved the files from a normal hard drive to the SSD drives
• If external, are they overheating? I dont think so they feel fine.
• IF external do you ever notice that they disconnected? They do disconnect on their own I think all of them do.  even if I dont have them ALL connected.

No idea if your MAC is a MACBook, a MAC Pro, iMAC, MAC Mini, or Studio. If any of the laptop, all in one, or minmalist ones (i.e. not the Pro) a few inquirys:

Hardware Overview:

  Model Name: iMac

  Model Identifier: iMac21,1

  Model Number: Z12Z000P8X/A

  Chip: Apple M1

  Total Number of Cores: 8 (4 performance and 4 efficiency)

  Memory: 16 GB

• Are your vents for cooling obstructed bby dust bunnys, or other obstructions? no it sits on the desk on its own nothing behind it.
• Is your MAC overheating - not that i know of
• Is your MAC if dependant upon a battery, running out of battery? no always connected to power and is an Imac not a macbook
• Is your MAC Throttling down (due to overheating or power loss) - no b