Lightroom 6 - Can't export AND can't use plug in- Help needed

[PJK3493]

Hi, Have been using Lightroom 6 for 2 years - no problems.  Set up on my laptop with all files on my laptop hardrive - plenty of space.

Today I have had major issues  and Lightroom is all but unusable - panicking. 

Today I updated Lightroom to the latest version and updated the Nik Collection - since then all hell has been let loose

(1) When I try to edit to a Plug In program (e.g. Adobe Elements) - I get the message

(2) When I try to export a file I get the message

I am at my wits end.  I have uninstalled the Nik Collection and reinstalled my photo library to no avail.  I haven't changed any settings on my files so writing to the folder shouldn't be a problem. 

Can any one help?

[Rob_Cullen]

so writing to the folder shouldn't be a problem.

It can be a problem if the folder does not have full Read/Write permissions, (a frequent problem in Mac computers when system updates occur) or sufficient 'empty' hard-disk space.

Similar forum questions may give clues to an answer-

Lightroom 5.3 export error "no rendered photo exists on disk"

error message Lightroom was unable to prepare the selected file at/volumes/etc..

[PJK3493]

I think there is something in this as I have tried to save to smaller ssd drive in my laptop (Windows 10).

Do you (or anyone) know which folder needs the read write checking on it - I've been going through and changing some but am getting confused between Users / System / admin - it's only me who users the blooming thing  🙂

[PJK3493]

meant to exporting to SSD was successful but isn't a practical solution as its too small in size

[Rob_Cullen]

The "Edit-In  Photoshop Elements" would normally first create a pixel file (JPG TIFF etc) derivative in the same folder as the Original image (PJK2759.NEF).  So check this folder on the C:drive has 'full' permissions, and the Drive (the SSD?) has sufficient empty space (minimum 20% of Drive size).

The "Export" error would only appear by using the Export dialog, and you would set a Destination in the top-most panel [Export Location]- Check this for the "Export To:" Folder destination.

[PJK3493]

I have 2 drives in my laptop - a c drive (1tb) where my photos have sat happily for years - until today and a much smaller SSD used to boo the laptop up - Lightroom will not export anything to the C drive but does seem happy to export to the SSD

A specimen folder that I'm having problems with has the following permissions

It appears to be fully accessable.  I have just opened up a file in Picasa and that has had no problem saving - I am at a loss...

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

I might be getting 'out of my depth' here- not being a system expert, but will try to break down your reply-

have 2 drives in my laptop - a c drive (1tb) where my photos have sat happily for years - until today and a much smaller SSD used to boo(t) the laptop up

Normally a laptop will boot from the C: drive- so what is the drive name of the SSD?  D:, E:, F:, ? And where are the Windows system files located?

If your photos "sat happily for years" then something has changed to prevent access to them by Lightroom.

- Lightroom will not export anything to the C drive but does seem happy to export to the SSD

Then there is a problem here with permissions!

Your screen-clip shows your identity has permissions (which might allow the Picasa 'saves'), but the checks are greyed out, and Lightroom is more critical about having full permissions.

My 'secondary' E: drive in my laptop ( the DVD is D:) shows Permissions for "Everyone" as in my clip-

[PJK3493]

Thank you - It seems to have been eventually solved.

Solution - Windows 10

I optimised the C drive

I went in and created an "everyone" user in the "pictures" folder on the C drive.  I then set the permission to "Full Control".

Couple of full system reboots later and everything seems to be working fine once again

Many thanks for your suggestions.