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tamc2015
tamc2015
Participating Frequently
March 6, 2016
Answered

Moving photos from internal drive to external drive

  • March 6, 2016
  • 2 replies
  • 16628 views

Hi,

I recognize that there are a number of previously asked questions about moving files from your computers internal drive to external drive.  I would like to make sure that I understand correctly before doing anything. Also, some of the conversations were a little convoluted and confusing for me when many were firing off different questions and others with conflicting information.  I am hoping by my asking that it will be a little more clear to me.

I am currently running out of space on my computer's internal drive.  I have cleared out a lot of things, however, as I continue to add, it will of course fill back up so I would like to move everything to an external drive. From what I have understood, I find the external drive through Lightroom and add it so it can be recognized (I haven't tried that yet but watched a video and hope that I can do that).  If I move the folders from within Lightroom, I think that it it moves it off my computer completely without having to delete the files??  Also, in doing so through Lightroom, it should automatically recognize the location of the files so that they do not appear "missing" and will link to the file when the external drive is connected? (I would NOT have to then manually locate the files, am I correct?)

I would like to back up to 2 external drives so that I guarantee that my files are backed up. Is it best to do it all together by checking off "make a copy to..."?  Can that even be done when moving the files or is that only an option on initial import?

How do I have the catalog backups on my computer's internal drive and 2 external drives? Do I force a "back up catalog" in order to do so?

If I move only previous years photos off of my internal drive but keep the current year's photos on my internal drive can I keep all of my photos in one catalog or should I be creating separate catalogs? (I still do not completely understand multiple catalogs and have only used one with everything that I have).

Due to my learning style, I find it extremely difficult to learn this way (in forums I mean) and much prefer a walk through with an individual but have been told that Adobe does not offer that type of telephone support.  Please correct me if I am wrong.

I realize that there are a lot of questions and would appreciate the help. I would be devastated to lose my photos, as I imagine most people would be. I am attempting to make sure that I do this correctly as I would hate to mess up the transfer and lose these visual memories.  Thank you.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Todd Shaner

    tamc2015 wrote:

    I have a very large amount of photos and therefore folders.  I am hoping that I understood correctly that there is a more streamlined, efficient way to move everything if there is one.

    If you have a large amount of files & folders I recommend using Windows Explorer or Mac Finder to move them to the new external drive. There have been numerous posts where users have lost entire photo collections when moving files & folders to an external drive from inside LR. Here thwo posts that explain the process:

    Re: How do I move my pictures to external hard drive?

    Adobe Lightroom - Find moved or missing files and folders

    2 replies

    Todd Shaner
    Todd Shaner
    Legend
    March 6, 2016

    tamc2015 wrote:


    I would like to back up to 2 external drives so that I guarantee that my files are backed up. Is it best to do it all together by checking off "make a copy to..."?  Can that even be done when moving the files or is that only an option on initial import?

    Please do NOT use 'Make a copy to" in the Import module to create image file backup copies! It's only intended to be used for making a "temporary" 2nd copy backup so that the files can be deleted on the memory card.

    If on a Mac you can use Time Machine to backup your image files to one or more external drives:

    How to Set Up a Reliable Backup System for Your Mac

    If on Windows there are backup and file sync programs available for free. I use FreeFileSync. It's not one of the easiest applications to learn and use, but it's very flexible and reliable. There are many, many others, including Windows own Backup services. Do a Google search to learn more. You'll find information here on backing up the LR catalog file, which should be done on a regular scheduled basis and after every major LR editing session.

    How to back up catalogs in Lightroom

    ...and more here on "other" LR files you may want to add to your backup allocation:

    http://www.lightroomqueen.com/backup-lightroom-files/

    Don't bother backing up LR Previews folder. It's very large and LR can rebuild them if ever required.

    tamc2015
    tamc2015Author
    Participating Frequently
    March 6, 2016

    I do actually use Time Machine to backup my MAC currently.  However, my intention is to keep my photos on an external drive and backup to another external drive, not Time Machine. The external drives would be for my photos only and not the rest of the items on my computer.  Time Machine would be only for my computer.

    Todd Shaner
    Todd Shaner
    Legend
    March 6, 2016

    tamc2015 wrote:

    I do actually use Time Machine to backup my MAC currently.  However, my intention is to keep my photos on an external drive and backup to another external drive, not Time Machine. The external drives would be for my photos only and not the rest of the items on my computer.  Time Machine would be only for my computer.

    I have no experience using Time Machine. If it doesn't allow backing up the 'Pictures' folder to another external drive then you'll need to use a separate backup application. I use simple file & folder "synchronization" with FreeFileSync. There are many other backup apps available! If you want to use FreeFileSync use this link:

    Support FFS with a donation: http://www.freefilesync.org/donate.php

    New: Donate and get the FreeFileSync installer without advertisements as a thank-you!

    You can donate as little as $1 or 1 Euro, which allows you to download an installer without EyeCandy.

    Just Shoot Me
    Just Shoot Me
    Legend
    March 6, 2016

    Just move all images from internal to the external drive keep all folders exactly the same using the File Manager for your OS. Then in LR use the Update folder location option to reconnect the folders and images.

    tamc2015
    tamc2015Author
    Participating Frequently
    March 6, 2016

    I have a very large amount of photos and therefore folders.  I am hoping that I understood correctly that there is a more streamlined, efficient way to move everything if there is one.

    Todd Shaner
    Todd ShanerCorrect answer
    Legend
    March 6, 2016

    tamc2015 wrote:

    I have a very large amount of photos and therefore folders.  I am hoping that I understood correctly that there is a more streamlined, efficient way to move everything if there is one.

    If you have a large amount of files & folders I recommend using Windows Explorer or Mac Finder to move them to the new external drive. There have been numerous posts where users have lost entire photo collections when moving files & folders to an external drive from inside LR. Here thwo posts that explain the process:

    Re: How do I move my pictures to external hard drive?

    Adobe Lightroom - Find moved or missing files and folders

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