Photoshop 18 Organizer lost connections to some photos, and won't reconnect

[rons84496979]

I am a long time Photoshop user on Windows.  Currently have Photoshop 18 and updated/current Windows 10.  My catalog is on a large multi-terabyte external drive, and has been working fine until the problem outlined below

There are some pictures in Organizer with thumbnails only.  Some of the thumbnails show an image, but double-clicking will activate the reconnection message.  A number of other thumbnails have a grayed-out image with a question mark, but with the correct file name and date.  Both types have the tag or tags that I assigned.  I have verified that the disconnected files are in the catalog drive (using both the "find" feature in Ps, AND search by name in Windows explorer.  I have tried using the reconnection feature, including automatic feature, but I get an error message saying that reconnection failed.  I can't change the tags (delete, change) - another error message saying tag failed.  I have tried to delete the thumbnail, and get yet another error message saying the delete function failed.

I have even gone to the extreme of copying the file to the desktop, and using the import feature of Ps, but I get the message that the file is already in the catalog.

Catch 22.

Help!

[rons84496979]

I'm answering my own question.  I called the Adobe Help Desk, and after we shared my screen, the tech pointed out that when the reconnection function was running, there is a two-window display showing where Photoshop is looking.  It became obvious that somehow the actual photo files had been moved.  You can find exactly where Photoshop expects the file to be by selecting the thumbnail image and clicking on Information.  The full drive, path, date and time info is displayed. Write it down.

I fixed it by:

1.  Using Windows File Explorer, opening the root drive where all photos are stored

2.  Entered the file name of the missing file.

3.  Selecting the file (may be multiple files with the same name - select the file with the matching date/time info.

4.  Right click and choose Open File Location

5.  Cut the file from the location.

6. Open the file location where Ps is looking, and paste the file.

The photo will automatically reappear in the proper "thumbnail".

LESSON:  ALWAYS USE THE MOVE COMMAND IF YOU NEED TO MOVE A PHOTO TO A NEW LOCATION.