Why does LR erase my files on my computer after Import?

[Trish@VI]

How do I fix it that I still have access to my files on my desktop.  LR still sees the files but I cannot. Only been since the newest upgrade. 

[kglad]

<moved from download&install>

[Trish@VI]

I am new to posting and reading. I opened the email. clicked on a couple of
blue writings and cannot see a reply. How do I see replies?

Kind regards,

<personal info removed - kglad>

[kglad]

1. don't reply from email, esp if you have a personal signiture.

2. click the subject title ("Why does LR erase...") to see your thread with your post and all replies

[Rob_Cullen]

Did you use the [Move] method when you imported the files?

Your screen-clip of LrC shows only 'Collections'-  Not informative!

Compare folder location by-

1) [Right-Click] on one photo in LrC Library and select [Go to Folder in Library]-

2) [Right-Click] on one photo in LrC Library and select [Show in Finder]-

Does this show you the same folder as you show in your 'Finder Info' screen-clip?

What are {Leo Card 1} and {Leo Card 2}?

[richh44255731]

Yes, I just noticed it says move and import photos.  I have been using LR for years and never has done this. Only since the newest upgrade. I just need it to stop.  How do I get it to copy and import? 

[GoldingD]

Please post in a reply a screenshot of your import screen.

[Rob_Cullen]

"..never has done this..." - Well something changed it!. Always pays to check the 'method' at the top of the Import dialog.

"IMPORT" is the process of including your photos in a Lightroom Catalog.

When you open the Import dialog there are options- The commonly used options are COPY and ADD-

COPY does two things as it reads the files on the camera memory card- It copies (downloads) them to a folder on the hard-drive, the originals on the card. AND makes a reference thumbnail in the Catalog (reference is to the location on the Hard-drive).

ADD does one thing as it reads the files that are already in a folder on the hard-drive then makes a reference thumbnail in the Catalog. Not available for Importing from Camera Cards.

MOVE is also not available for Importing from Camera Cards, but it can Import photos existing on a Hard-drive and move then to a folder selected in the Destination Folder. If you select [Move] then YOU need to know where LrC will move them to.

[Theresa J]

Your screen capture shows Lightroom Classic, not Lightroom. The answer to your question would be different if you were using Lightroom. I am moving this to the Lightroom Classic forum.

[Theresa J]

Well I tried to move this but wasn't able to. Perhaps another moderator can give it a try.

 @Rikk Flohr: Photography 

[richh44255731]

Thank you!