Lightroom can't find Smart Previews?

I have a Photographer trying to send me files via Smart Previews in Lightroom. She wants the edited files returned to her in the original NEF formats that she sent them in.
Here's what I've done:
1. I downloaded her original LR Catalog that you sent me, and also downloaded the original Smart Preview file that she sent.
2. I put both of them in one folder together on my desktop
3. I went to that folder and clicked on the Lightroom Catalog - it opened, but it said that the Photos could not be found. They are showing as NEF files.
4. Since the photos couldn't be found, I clicked on the Smart Preview file. This caused the photos to open in Lightroom - but when they open, they suddenly are DNG files, and in Lightroom it shows them as being "Original Photos" instead of "Smart Previews"
5. Since they are opened as DNG files, that is what they are showing up in her LR view as since, I am attaching the Smart Previews to the photos that I've edited.
The part that is baffling me is that a) when the LR Catalog and the Smart Preview file are in the same folder, and I open the LR Catalog, it is showing photos as missing and not picking up on the Smart Preview file in the same folder. And - b) Once I click on the Smart Preview files, it's converting them instantly to DNG files, and showing them as Original photos, instead of Smart Previews. It's almost like there is something wrong with the Smart Preview file? Or am I missing a step here?

Sorry - that first line item should have said the LR catalog she sent me - not "you" sent me.

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First, the old problem which, though unresolved, is here mostly for background:
A little over a month ago, I posted a question (at http://forums.adobe.com/thread/480423?tstart=0 ).
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So why does Lightroom think it's not there? (even though it can show me exactly where it is)
I have edited this photo in Lightroom before. I have printed it from Lightroom before (as shown in the Lightroom history). But today it can't be edited, won't print and "could not be found"!!!
I know I can print from Photoshop, or re-import this photo into Lightroom (along with any others that Lightroom "can't find"), though both would require time and re-editing the original. I would rather understand (if that's possible) why this is happening in the first place, so hopefully I can avoid such wackiness in the future.
I realize that may have to burn some sage and hire a Shaman, but any ideas that won't smoke up the house or scare the cats would be most welcome.
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If you have an old goat around that's not doing so well, consider the sacrifice.
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[Screen name, lkajsdt, created by randomly pressing keys. The registration system would not accept any sensible pseudonym I tried.]

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