Transfer of 17,000 items from iMac to iMac [Unable to import from 2022 to 2023]

[Willis5C0D]

I have purchased a new 2023 Elements including Organizer. Installed into new iMac. Trying to import a backup file from previous iMac. Says can not import  as can not read files.  So how to I transfer 17,00 items from 2022 to 2023 on new computer.

[Monte307]

This is what worked for me: 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-elements-discussions/cannot-backup-or-restore-organizer-202...

[MichelBParis]

Hi @Monte307 

Just to say that as I don't know anything about Macs, what I am saying about backups in this discussion is only about Windows.

Your solution would not work with Windows.

[MichelBParis]

Hi @Muhammad31972604jblb 

Your answer is not applicable to backups made from the organizer.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/backup-restore-move-catalog-photoshop.html

What is unique with that backup/restore process is that it can restore at the same time the catalog folder with its database and what I call the "library", that is the media files tree's), even on a different computer or drive.

The principle is to store in a single folder:

- a renamed copy of each file (media or catalog foder piece)

- a renamed copy of the main component of the database, catalog.pseXXdb sqlite file, renamed catalog.buc

- a detailed description of the structure of the media location on the original drive and paths : backup.tly

The restore rebuilds the whole media files structure where you specify.

It restores the catalog folder by renaming back the sqlite catalog and its components. 

You never have to restore or copy back the media files so that you never import anything.

Whatever you are doing with an external backup of file mover external program will not work with an organizer backup

You can only check if a backup folder is valid by running a successful restore.

However, in practice, most of the time the reason is an incomplete backup where the backup.tly file is missing in the backup folder.

Contrary to the solution used by Lightroom classic, where the backup of media file is not provided and has to be managed externally, the organizer backup saves both media and catalog. Suppose you have to restore on a new computer or drive, Lightroom can reconnect all files of your media treess easily whereas it's extremely difficult with the organizer.

[MichelBParis]

I have purchased a new 2023 Elements including Organizer. Installed into new iMac. Trying to import a backup file from previous iMac. Says can not import  as can not read files.  So how to I transfer 17,00 items from 2022 to 2023 on new computer.

By @Willis5C0D

Hi @Willis5C0D 

Here is the official way to transfer your catalog with your media files:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/kb/backup-restore-move-catalog-photoshop.html

After an organizer backup (which is not a simple files copy) you never import anything in the backup, you only run the restore process.