Question for all: I have totaly screwed up my LR catalog. here is the question, I would like to select all NFF files on my computer, no duplecates and inport them into a new LR...

REJ Loc: Ontario Canada

I have totaly screwed up my LR catalog. here is the question, I would like to select all NFF files on my computer, no duplecates and inport them into a new LR catalog. Is there any software out there that will do that. One more inportant thing I am not a computer person so be gentel. REJ.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

Do it within LR. Use the filter in LR to select all the files types you want then export to a new catalog.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

REJ wrote:

I have totaly screwed up my LR catalog. here is the question, I would like to select all NFF files on my computer, no duplecates and inport them into a new LR catalog. Is there any software out there that will do that. One more inportant thing I am not a computer person so be gentel. REJ.

What do you mean you messed up your catalog. If you have been backing up, just go to the backups for and open the newest backup.

I don't know what system you are using, so, click edit...catalog settings. This will tell you where your catalog is stored. Write this down, then click cancel.

Now click file...open catalog...got to the address you just wrote down. Click the folder Lightroom....click the folder backups....click on the date you wish to open, it should be the last one saved, newest date, then click open.

If you do not have any backups, click import..I would click add at the top.... Then maneuver to where your photos are and either select the drive or folder..... Make sure all the photos you want to import are checked.... Then click import.

Btw in windows backups are named by date and time saved. Ie...2021-07-04 0900. Would be today at 9am.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Before making matters worse: STOP, make an explanation about where / what your situation is currently, and then make an informed plan of what you want to accomplish and decide how best to move forward.

Unless you're doing things outside LR, you should already have only unique NEF (RAW) files. There's a few things you could do to isolate the NEF if intermingled with all other file types, but I've found it easier to just import all the files and then sort by file type and remove what is unwanted.

You could also select all the NEF in your current catalog and export to a new catalog, making that new catalog your new master LRCAT.

So, there's lots and lots of things you could do with no new software nor lots of complex work. But, all the flexible options depend on what you are actually trying to accomplish.

REJ Loc: Ontario Canada

CHG_CANON wrote:

Before making matters worse: STOP, make an explana... (show quote)

I seem to have catalog section OK. I have the NFF files loaded on my E drive and I can emport these files to lightroom. On the right hand side of LR there is a section called destenation. Twice I tried something and twice I had to delete everything and start over. third time I made a file o my E drive called Destenation and on the right side of the lightroom panel I mouse clicked (to tell the truth I forgot what else I clicked) anyhow things seemed to be working right, but I still have no clue what that destenation file is all about. Thanks all of you people for your replys. REJ.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

REJ wrote:

I seem to have catalog section OK. I have the NFF... (show quote)

You probably want to be using 'ADD' when importing into LR. That is, your images already are on your E: drive and you don't want new copies anywhere else. There is no 'destination' in the Add aspect of the Import, simply a source.

REJ Loc: Ontario Canada

CHG_CANON wrote:

You probably want to be using 'ADD' when importing into LR. That is, your images already are on your E: drive and you don't want new copies anywhere else. There is no 'destination' in the Add aspect of the Import, simply a source.

What I think your saying Is the NFF files in E drive are all I need to ruuun Lightroom, If I remove a file from Edrive it is also removed from LR, now dont jump I know I have to do all the inporting stuff. Thanks, REJ.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

REJ wrote:

What I think your saying Is the NFF files in E drive are all I need to ruuun Lightroom, If I remove a file from Edrive it is also removed from LR, now dont jump I know I have to do all the inporting stuff. Thanks, REJ.

If you're trying to figure out LR by just clicking around, you're really going to have a hard time. An hour of "getting started with LR" video training will easily save you multiple hours of frustration. Consider the getting started videos from the Adobe site and / or youtube.

cantona Loc: manchester, england

happy birthday to all you birthday people out there.

hrblaine

REJ wrote:

One more inportant thing I am not a computer person so be gentel. REJ.

Or a spelling person apparently. Harry

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

fredpnm wrote:

Do it within LR. Use the filter in LR to select all the files types you want then export to a new catalog.

Here's how to export a new catalog using your old catalog and selecting only the nef (raw) files:

Bring up the library module and look at Grid view. Find "Metadata" on the menu bar above the images. Click on it to get the metadata filter panel.

Hovering the cursor over one of the columns will show a downward pointing triangle.

Clicking on the down triangle will allow you to change the filter parameter. Click on "File Type"

In the "File Type" filter column, click on "raw"

Now the library will only show images from raw files (NEF from Nikon). Select them all (or just the ones you want to place into a new catalog).
Then go to File => Export as Catalog and click on that. You will have to choose a new name for the new catalog.

Hope that helps.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I have to say that with your lack of knowledge of LrC you would best be served by not touching anything!! Read up on the basic use of LrC online by opening the program, going to the Help menu at the top and clicking on Lightroom Classic Help (it goes to the Adobe site). Read the online manual parts that have anything to do with the Library Module. LrC, on each side, simply mirrors your desktop. The left panel is where you "mess with" folders and images and the right panel is the one you use to import images. Do not use the right panel for anything else other than importing. You really need to get a basic understanding of the program before using it.