Elements: How do I move my catalog to a new computer?

Question

I purchased a new computer and want to move my two photoshop elements catalogs to my new computer but i do not want to do it by backing up and restoring on the new computer. I want to move my D drive from my old computer (it has all my documents, including photos, videos, etc...) and place it in my new computer. Currently, one of my catalogs (elements 5) appears to be located on my D drive, but my other catalog (elements 14) is located on my C drive. I want to make sure that i move my entire catalog files for both catalogs into my D drive prior to moving my D drive into my new computer.

Any suggestions or assistance will be appreciated.

Michel BRETECHER · Answer

Just make sure you have a copy of all your catalog folders along with your photo library on the D:drive.
You can copy them from their original location to the D: drive via your explorer. You get the location of your PSE14 catalog from the menu Help >> System information (a hidden folder - you may have to set the explorer to show hidden files and folders).
Be sure that the drive will keep the D: letter in the new computer (either internally or in an external USB drive enclosure). If the D: letter is already used for another device, use the Windows option to change the letter of that device to free it for your former D: drive.
When you are ready with the new computer, just double click on the 'catalog.pse14db' file in the D: drive to open the organizer with that catalog. In the catalog manager, your catalog will be displayed in the 'custom' location.
If you prefer to have the catalog in the default location, the catalog manager dialog has a 'move' button to move the catalog folde back in the default loction under C: It's your choice.

Richard Barnum · Answer

whatever you do, get a backup first.

Donald Dobson · Answer

I don't use the Catolog however I'd expect you to find the 'C' drive catalog(s) @

C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Elements Organizer\Catalogs.

Copy & paste to a suitably named folder on 'D' drive. I can't add any more to Michel Bretecher comments.

Peter Gallant · Answer

Thank you Michael, Richard, and Donald. I wasn't sure if it was as easy as just moving the folder where the catalog resides, but it makes sense. I will give it a try this coming week.

A secondary issue is with my adobe elements premiere (video editing). I have a couple of versions of this software with associated files. I am not concerned with any catalogs they create (not sure if they do), but i believe that i just need to ensure that all my movie files are located on my D drive. Would you agree?

Thanks again for your assistance.

Adobe Photoshop Family

peter_gallant_g5a9zhvmn6uq8

Elements: How do I move my catalog to a new computer?

Responses

michel_bretecher

richard_barnum

donald_dobson

peter_gallant_g5a9zhvmn6uq8

Helpful Widget

Tags