LR4 from PC to Mac via ext drive - can't move folders

I'm in the process of migrating from Windows (7) to an iMac which has been a partial success re Lightroom but I'm having problems with moving folders / files within LR (4.4) and could do with some advice please.
On the Windows PC I had all of my photos on the hard-drive (with duplicate back-ups) and my intention was to move only a proportion of these onto the iMac, leaving older folders on an external drive - again with backups. To migrate to the iMac I had initial success as follows:
1. Installed LR 4.4 on the iMac.
2. Moved all photos onto an external drive from within LR.
3. Copied across the lrcat and lrdta files and the presets to the iMac
4. Started LR and loaded the copied catalogue - worked fine - see all my folders plus their question marks as expected.
5. Was able to re-linked the folders (still on the external drive) within LR - question marks disappeared, able to access & develop folders/files on the ext drive within LR - good.
6. Then the problems occurred when within LR I tried to move folders from the external drive to the iMac (into a top-level 'Lightroom Photos'  folder I created within Pictures) but the following then happens:
When I drag a folder up from the ext to the main drive I get the usual 'moving files on disk warning' box, click 'Move' to confirm but then I get an error message 'Could not complete the folder move. An unknown error occurred', click OK and the folder has remained on the external drive. Oddly, when I check via Finder the folder has been created within my 'Lightroom Photos' folder although it doesn't show there in LR and no photos are included in it - they're still on the hard-drive.
I did think this might be something to do with the format of the ext drive - it is shows as read only and is NFTS and I now understand this can be a problem when writing to it from an iMac - but I appear to be able to 'develop' photos on the external drive.
I did find a 'workaround' - in Finder I copied a folder directly into the 'Lightroom Photos' folder on the hard-drive and managed to link to it by clicking on the question mark originally created by the lrcat copy. Seems a bit cumbersome and I would then have to delete the originals from the ext drive but does this sound okay? And any ideas why I can't move them from the ext drive from within LR but can work on them whilst still on that drive? Thanks
Gary

Just realised why I can 'develop' photos that are on the external drive - obviously because LR isn't editing the image is it? It's just amended the catalogue entry, so that explains that. Dumb of me not to realise that!
So does this bring me back to the problem being the NFTS formatted disk and my only solution is to copy the files within Finder and then re-link them?

Similar Messages

  • Problems moving library from pc to mac via external drive

    Hi, I have searched hi&lo for an answer to my problem, and now I'm having another problem. I have just got a macbook and had all my music on an external drive in WMA format. I dragged my library into itunes on a pc to transfer it all to mp3 format so I could play it on my mac. That took some time (I have about 50GB worth of music) but it worked. Why can't I just save and replace the old wma library with the new mp3 library? Or do I have to save the new one and then delete the old one? I have just spent hours organizing all the files and artwork, etc. So in order to save the itunes music folder and copy it to the external drive I must consolidate, right? Now the new problem. When I click consolidate library I get an error "Coping Music failed: filename was invalid or too long." I have plenty of space on the pc cdrive and on the external drive. I have done export library and it just puts a small xml file there that obviously isn't 50gb of music! The itunes folder looks like it has most files in it, but no artwork, etc? I have read about the find&replace (can't figure that out either) and other articles, but nothing is working for me yet, any help would be greatly appreciated as I have been at this for days and am getting really frustrated. This is my first mac and use of itunes and I don't see why it's so difficult to transfer your music over! Please help!

    This page may be of some help: How to move an iTunes library from a PC to Mac (and back)

  • I just bought a new Mac and I want to transfer some data (not all) from my old Mac.  Basically, I want to move my itunes library, iphoto library, and a few documents.  I have not even turned on my new Mac yet.  Is the best way by an external hard drive?

    I just bought a new Mac and I want to transfer some data (not all) from my old Mac.  Basically, I want to move my itunes library, iphoto library, and a few documents.  I have not even turned on my new Mac yet.  Is the best way by an external hard drive?

    If both have Firewire ports then you can accomplish your goal by using Target Disk Mode. If this is not possible then you can do using an external drive or if you have a local network connect both to your network and use filesharing between the two computers.
    File Sharing on Macs
    Mac 101- File Sharing

  • How to delete a contact from wifi in mac pro, any one can help me

    how to delete a contact from wifi in mac pro, any one can help me

    Apple menu > System Preferences > Network > Airport > Advanced > Airport and then click on it and click the minus sign.
    You also can drag them in order of connection attempts.

  • Just uploaded apps from iPhone to Mac Pro but i can't open apps on mac pro?

    Just uploaded apps from iphone to Mac pro but i can't open the apps - Why?

    Hi richard915,
    Welcome to the Support Communities!
    Do you mean that you transferred your purchases from the iPhone to your Mac pro?  You can also set your Mac's iTunes preferences to automatically download purchases made to it.  You'd have to check the specifics for the app that you are having an issue with, but some apps that are designed for the iPhone won't work on your Mac. Developers usually create two versions of their software.
    iTunes Store: Transferring purchases from your iOS device or iPod to a computer
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1848
    iTunes 11 for Mac: Automatically download new iTunes Store purchases to multiple computers and devices
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12282
    I hope this information helps ....
    - Judy

  • ITunes library xml from windows to mac using external drive.

    Hi there!
    I'm a newbie on mac computers.. I've recently purchase a macbook pro retina.
    So, I used to use iTunes in windows XP. My old computer crashed and I can't re-open it and save files...
    Now, the only file I have from my windows library is an "library.xml" file.
    The mp3 files that I had in previous iTunes playlists are in my external I: Drive. (not in Itunes folder).
    I was searching in apple communities to see how I can transfer playlists in my new iTunes on mac.
    But I can't find a solution to my problem... and unfortunately I don't know if there is...
    I've try to set the iTunes media folder location my external hard drive, from Preferences-->Advanced-->iTunes media folder location.
    Then I go to file-->library--> import playlist and I open the "library.xml".
    The result is that I have all my playlists in tact, like it was in my previous iTunes.... But THERE IS NOT ANY FILE ON THEM!!!
    So, I have only the playlists... Could you help me to set my I: drive as default path of itunes library, to get my playlists WITH the mp3s?
    PLEASE HELP!
    Thank you in advance.

    Should I change the Preferences-->Advanced-->iTunes media folder location back to default folder?
    That should be set to wherever you want iTunes to store media in the future (though it sounds like you are planning on keeping this unchecked anyway).  It has no effect on where iTunes looks for existing files.  That is already determined when you first add the file to iTunes or through later consolidating.
    In theory you should be able to start iTunes with a blank library, use the import function to add that .xml file and it should still point to the files on the external.  If that is not working then I guess it is possible all those %20 space designations may be causing problems.  It's strange you are seeing those coded that way but  it is likely some carry-over from Windows.  The purpose of adding a test file to the external, then adding it to iTunes, then looking at the .xml is to see how Mac iTunes lists the path for a file on the external added when using the Mac so you can use that as a model for changing other paths if necessary.
    Holding down the option key while starting iTunes (make sure you are using the correct key) or immediately after starting it should invoke a screen asking if you want to make a new library.  If this is not working for you then I have no idea why because it works for hundreds of other people I have told to do this.

  • Move books from iPad to Mac via iBooks

    Hello! How can I move books from my iPad (via iBooks) into my new Mac (via IBooks) without losing the books in my iPad?

    USB Cable?
    PhotoStream?
    Use Image Capture? iPhoto? Aperture?

  • I have a new iPad and I'd like to upload my Microsoft Office from my desktop MAC so that I can sync them.  Is that possible?

    I have a new iPad and I'd like to upload my Microsoft Office from my MAC desktop so I can sync them.  Is that possible?

    Boyd is correct.  You cannot install your Mac OS MS Office to the iPad and there is no official MS Office app.
    I am assuming you want to edit Office documents on youy iPad.  There are three apps that I would recommend you looking at.  Please note that no app is going to give you the same experience as a desktop app.
    1) Documents To Go by Dataviz - This is the one I have used since my Palm days.  You can edit Word, Excel and Power Point documents. There are two versions.  The basic one ($9.99) allows you to edit Word and Excel documents.  The Premium version ($16.99) allows you to edit Word, Excel and Power Point documents.  It also allows you to use Google Docs, Dropbox, Box.net, iDisk and Sugarsync.
    2) Quickoffice is another popular choice. ($14.99) I do not have personal experience with this one, but alot of people have said it is a good app.
    3) The last one is Office^2 ($7.99 http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id364361728?mt=8)  Again I do not have personal experience with this one, but he has gotten some good reviews.
    If you are want an app to just view your documents, I would highly recommend looking at Goodreader for iPad.  It allows you to view many types of file.  It will also allow you to annotate PDF documents.
    Good luck!!

  • I try to install mac 10.4 operating system it says I need a power mac 7.2 driver can anyone help pls

    I Try to install mac 10.4 operating system and it says need power mac7.2 driver can anyone help pls

    You need to use the computer's original disks or a retail Mac OS X 10.5.6 or earlier DVD which is at least as new as the computer. Another Mac's original disks won't work.
    (116048)

  • Copying Fields from one PDF to an Updated PDF - can't move fields on destination pdf

    I'm using Word as the authoring software for a PDF.  In version 9, I never had problem copying fields from one to another.  But in Version 11 I copy them to the new revised form and the fields won't move.  I can't move them with the mouse or the keyboard arrows.  I do see a bunch activity in the right pane called fields (tab order) but the fields don't move.
    Any help understanding why and how to solve is greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance for your time and experience.

    Highlight all the fields with CTRL +A, click on properties, and uncheck "Locked"  in the bottom left.

  • How can I move pics from iPhone 4S to ipad air, How can I move pics from iPhone 4S to ipad air

    Hi how can I move my photos from my iPhone 4S to my new ipad air please

    Copy Photos (& Videos) Between iOS Devices
    http://tinyurl.com/cnz95bc
     Cheers, Tom

  • Downloading files from PC to Mac via external hard drive

    I have already downloaded the files from my PC to an external hard drive. I have connected that external hard drive to my iMac and am attempting to bring those files onto my iMac, but don't know how. Can anyone help? I have it connected, but it seems to be showing up at my Time Machine Backup and I can locate any of the files from my PC.

    Hi and welcome to Discussions,
    here are several ways to migrate your PC files http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2518
    but it seems to be showing up at my Time Machine Backup and I can locate any of the files from my PC
    I am not sure if I understand that one correctly.
    Does your external harddisk comes up as a Time Machine backup in OSX ?
    Or is Time Machine asking if you want to use that external harddisk for backup ?
    Regards
    Stefan

  • From PC to Mac via external hard drive

    i really need some advice please...
    i have recently moved out of my parents house to live with my partner
    i bought a compatible external hard drive for PC and Mac so i could transfer all my music/iphone data etc
    the hard drive works fine with the mac so there is no issue there
    however, my partner also has an external hard drive. itunes only works when its plugged in and all of his music library comes up etc
    i tried to get itunes to do that for my hard drive so that i wont lose any of my iphone data etc...
    i am yet to succeed and now whenever i put my partners hard drive it and click itunes, itunes is now blank
    is it possible to have to seperate libraries and for itunes to recognise them? i.e when i plug my hard drive in and click itunes all my files and music appear
    then if i take mine out and put my partners in, for his music to appear etc
    i would really appreicate any suggestions?
    thanks

    When you connect a different hard disk, launch iTunes while holding the option key down and you'll get a prompt to select a library or create a new one.  Select the library on your HD.  Alternate iTunes library: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1589
    This could become cumbersome, so check some of these alternatives: 
    How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer, http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1495

  • Moving iTunes from PC to MAC with external drive

    Need some help moving my iTunes library from my Windows PC to my new MAC. The library is on my external USB drive. I did the consolidate option on my PC first and moved the USB drive to my MAC and changed prefs to point to my USB drive on my MAC. The library doesn't show up on my MAC? The library is 180GB.
    Any suggestions?

    This page may be of some help: How to move an iTunes library from a PC to Mac (and back)

  • Transfering files from PC to Mac via ethernet cable

    I have been unable to connect my Mac for file transfer. I followed the directions on the following sites:
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304721
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106471
    I connected both computer via an ethernet cable and used the 'Connect to Server' option in the finder. It searches for a while and then gives me the following error:
    The Finder cannot complete the operation because some of the data in "smb://5.173.180.164/SharedDocs" could not be read or written. (Error code -36).
    The folder i specified is open for sharing and i've run the network wizard on the PC. I can't seem to figure out what's wrong.
    I appreciate any help you can give.
    Message was edited by: jaboc77

    You can connect them via ethernet cable. It will work fine.
    No special software needed on either side.
    What is it you are trying to do? Share files? Printers? Internet?
    This article from iFelix may offer some help to you:
    http://www.ifelix.co.uk/tech/3020.html

Maybe you are looking for

  • How to trigger a proxy in SAP PI 7.1

    Dear friends   How are you? I am not able to calla proxy in my system,  it throws the dump error like The reason for the exception is: You attempted to use a 'NULL' object reference (points to 'nothing') access a component. An object reference must p

  • Cost element 7000218 is not assigned to a cost component in CostCompStruct

    Dear All, How to change the standard price in MR21 for materials with Price Determination Control 3 ( header level V & 3) (Split level S & 3) In MR21, when I am updating the price for initial stock uploading. It throws me a error Cost element 7000218

  • Calling a method from custom Class in WD Application

    Hi, I wrote a piece of code in method SEARCH for my WD Application. Instead of diectly callling the method I would like to create a class and then call the method. How do we proceed? Do we use SE24 first or can we start creating class from WD applica

  • Question about  Java and XML  rendering for Word 97 upwards.

    Without using the apache POI library, and by sticking to non-pay products, is it possible to use java or XSLT/XML to turn an xml formatted file into a Microsoft Word/Excell/PDF file within one framework?

  • Display Thumbnail before Embedded flash video plays

    Hey Folks, I'm trying to embed a flash video into a column on my website. I'm using Deamweaver 8.0. I go to Insert > Media > Flash Video and follow the steps. Everything works well enough, but when I preview the webpage in either Firefox or Safari, t