Lightroom Classic will not open: I experienced some problems yesterday while working on photos and ultimately lost access to one of my browsers. Later when attempting to open LRC I got...

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

I experienced some problems yesterday while working on photos and ultimately lost access to one of my browsers.
Later when attempting to open LRC I got this message: "An error prevented Lightroom Classic from opening this catalog. This file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action. Please install an app or, if one is already installed, create an association in the Default Apps Settings page."

A search in the Default Apps setting page does not find Lightroom CC. Can anyone suggest how to resolve this issue?

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

It would help if you would give the version of Lightroom you're using, and the OS version.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

I'm using the latest LRC update and the latest Windows 11.

sabfish

Open file explorer. Navigate to your "c" drive (assuming that is where all your programs are located). Then open "Program Files" and look for "Adobe." If it is there open that folder. It should show Adobe Lightroom Classic." If it is not there, it is possible that program was deleted, in which case you will need to download and reinstall Lightroom. Your photos are not stored in the App, so hopefully they are still OK.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

sabfish wrote:

Open file explorer. Navigate to your "c" drive (assuming that is where all your programs are located). Then open "Program Files" and look for "Adobe." If it is there open that folder. It should show Adobe Lightroom Classic." If it is not there, it is possible that program was deleted, in which case you will need to download and reinstall Lightroom. Your photos are not stored in the App, so hopefully they are still OK.

Yes, it's there and when I attempt to open it I get the same dialogue.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

It sound like you crashed your LRCAT file rather than corrupted the installed software. As subscriber, open a technical support 'chat' with Adobe, who will be most familiar with that error message and the best resolution to error.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thanks, will try that.

home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

did this start after you updated to windows 11?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

windshoppe wrote:

Thanks, will try that.

One possible quick fix is to see if there's a "lock" file left-over from your last session. You need to find / know your LRCAT file location. Typically, under your "pictures\lightroom" folder. See if there's a file with extension "lock" in that folder. It will be named the same as your LRCAT file, but with a final ending of ".lock". It's only a 1KB file. See if you delete the lock and can then successfully start LR Classic, if the file is found.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

CHG_CANON wrote:

One possible quick fix is to see if there's a "lock" file left-over from your last session. You need to find / know your LRCAT file location. Typically, under your "pictures\lightroom" folder. See if there's a file with extension "lock" in that folder. It will be named the same as your LRCAT file, but with a final ending of ".lock". It's only a 1KB file. See if you delete the lock and can then successfully start LR Classic, if the file is found.

I find a number of catalogs in that folder. The only one that opens is the :V12.lrcat-data and I can find no lock in that folder. I have never attempted a chat with Adobe and in their help sites can find no way to do that among a large number of options that appear to be general question and answer sites. Can you advise how to initiate a chat?

jhtall Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ

Try this url - https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/tutorials.html

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

jhtall wrote:

Try this url - https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/tutorials.html

Thanks. I did just find the lock. I was accessing an older catalog and just found the latest one. Deleted the lock, but still get the same message.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

windshoppe wrote:

I find a number of catalogs in that folder. The only one that opens is the :V12.lrcat-data and I can find no lock in that folder. I have never attempted a chat with Adobe and in their help sites can find no way to do that among a large number of options that appear to be general question and answer sites. Can you advise how to initiate a chat?

Use this link to Adobe.

https://helpx.adobe.com/support.html

I'd sign-in using my Adobe credentials. There's a circle with a 'text bubble' in the lower right corner that is the "chat icon". Hopefully, that will get you started toward a live person and help.

FrankN Loc: Maryland, USA

Try Opening the backup version of your catalog from the last good backup you made

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Will do. Thanks.