I need to format my computer...lightroom...

[FreeloaderJoe]

Hi guys i need to format my computer as dell won't warrentee it until they see if that resolves the problem.

Is there any way of backing up the changes made to my images in lightroom without exporting them all to a RAW/NEF format again and backing them up that way. e.g. crops/exposure changes/virtual copies

I'd like to be able to somehow re install my lightroom and click my fingers and have everything back as it was before...is there any way of doing this before the dreaded backup (which may or may not solve the problem...leading to me doing it again!)

 

[grumpybadger]

I thought backing up the catalogue file should do that?

 

[FreeloaderJoe]

I thought backing up the catalogue file should do that?

Didn't know that...but even if i reinstall the program? How do i reimport it all?

 

[grumpybadger]

The backup is a full catalogue file.

Thinking about it - what I would do:

1. Backup RAW files (obvious I know but worth stating)
2. FInd location of Lightroom Catalogue (in my case c:\users\badger\pictures\lightroom\main catalogue\)
3. Copy everything in that folder to the backup drive
4. When you've reinstalled, copy it back and the RAW files and then use File>Open Catalog

Details of where your catalogue file can be found are in Edit>Catalog Settings

 

[JasonRS]

Export the whole catalog (including negatives) to an external drive.

Then reimport afterwards.

That's how I do it.

You can split things up, but unless you get the file locations spot on, Lightroom can get a little upset!