RAW files disappearing / being deleted in Lightroom Classic.

[timm8061802]

I am using Lightroom Classic 13.4 Camera RAW 16.4. I am using Windows 11 Pro. On a computer I have been using for months, without any changes on my end, my RAW fies are completely disapearing when I import the files. Why are they being removed? I did searches on my hard drive for the photo numbers but they do not exist in RAW form. I am now forced to create 2 folders of RAW files on my hard drive because I know the ones I import to Lightroom will be deleted. I spent hours going through every check box I can find but i do not see anything related to this. 

[F. McLion]

Which method of import do you use (Copy, Add, ...)?

Do you see the photos in the import window?

Do you see the imported photos in the library after the import?

If yes, where does right-click on a photo and select "Show in Explorer" lead you?

Any messages from LrC?

[timm8061802]

LR1 shows the RAW files in the folder. I open LR Classic then selct Import Screen Shot LR2. Then I select the RAW files I want ot Import screenshot LR3. After they inport the files in the folder are gone. Screen shot LR4 

[JohanElzenga]

Please post a screenshot of the import dialog. Embed the screenshot using this button , do not attach it. And make a proper screenshot please, not a photo taken from the screen.

[timm8061802]

LR1 shows the RAW files in the folder. I open LR Classic then selct Import Screen Shot LR2. Then I select the RAW files I want ot Import screenshot LR3. After they inport the files in the folder are gone. Screen shot LR4 

[dj_paige]

It is possible that when you import, you are using ADD and the photos remain on your camera card, and are never copied to the hard disk.

[timm8061802]

I am not new to this.  I have been a full time photographer for over 30 years and have used Lightroom for at least 15 years. The files are first copied onto my hard drive from the memory card. I just assumed everyone did it that way, that is why i did not type that step. Alothoug the screen shots do show it is on my hard drive. I have 3 computers with the same version of Lightroom Classic. The other 2 systems do not do this. After I import the RAW file folder on the hard drive becomes empty. 

[Jao vdL · Accepted solution]

Sounds like you are using "move" in the import panel. This will move the raw images to a new location specified on the right-hand side of the import panel and will make the images disappear from the location you are importing from. 

[timm8061802]

LR1 shows the RAW files in the folder. I open LR Classic then selct Import Screen Shot LR2. Then I select the RAW files I want ot Import screenshot LR3. After they inport the files in the folder are gone. Screen shot LR4 

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

They are gone from the { D:\RAWtest3\Canon } folder because you MOVED them to { C:\Users\Casey\Pictures\2024\2024-07-14 }

You used the MOVE option in the Import dialog!

Obvious in your screen-clips!

[timm8061802]

Can you please show me on your screen shot where that option is. I do no have a clue what you are talking about. I am not new to this.  I have been a full time photographer for over 30 years and have used Lightroom for at least 15 years. I have 3 computers with the same version of Lightroom Classic. The other 2 systems do not do this. This is my first ever problem with Lightroom that i cannot figure out. I have been involved with Adobe products since the late 1990's. I am looking at my screen and I do not see anything referring to the workd "MOVE" that you are using. A screen shot would be very helpful. Thanks 

[DdeGannes]

LR3.jpeg which you posted. See the Move option highlighted at the top of the image.

[Rob_Cullen]

"I am looking at my screen and I do not see anything referring to the workd "MOVE" that you are using. A screen shot would be very helpful. Thanks"

Yep, @DdeGannes  also has the answer, and this is from your screen-clip:

[timm8061802]

Thank you very much! I never messed with that menu. We figured out how it happened. Thank you for taking the time to send that screenshot. 

[Ian Lyons]

I've marked two posts as the correct answer. This should help others with same issue in futture.