how do i restore a backedup Catalog?

[kurt@ohareny.com]

I must not be constructing my search querries properly because after an hour of searching FAQs and the Forum I still don't have answers to a couple of simple questions:

1. Where are the Catalog backups?
2. How do I install the backup Catallog ?

I'm running Win 10 and LIghtroom CC -

But now that I am posting a question there are a few other questions that would make my life easier:

What happened

I moved my image files off my HD to my NAS for the usual reasons:

• how do I move files and keep the link to their library in the future?

I deleted the libraries of the files I moved thinking that it would be easy to recreate but if anyone has a good idea for creating a new library without reimporting the images - I'm all ears.

Unless there is a better way, I'm planning on restoring the Catalog and then "locate missing folders" - which is a royal pain since there are A LOT of image folders that need linking.

• what is the "best practice" for re-associating these image folders with their proper library?

Summary of Qs:

1. Where are the Catalog backups?
2. How do I reinstall the backups ?
3. how do I move files and keep the link to their library in the future?
4. best practice for recreating a library without reimporting the images
5. what is the "best practice" for re-associating these image folders with their proper library?

[Rob_Cullen · Accepted solution]

First suggestion- Download the e-Book "Quick Start Guide" from the Lightroom Queen and read front to back.

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/qs201508wlskdj.php?utm_source=The+Lightroom+Queen&utm_campaign=5a920d...

Then answering your question is easier to refer you to expert article links-

• Where are the Catalog backups?
  Preference file and other file locations | Lightroom CC and 6
  Or they could be in the location you specify in the dialog when you create a Catalog backup.
  
  
• How do I reinstall the backups ?
  https://www.lightroomqueen.com/disaster-strikes-corrupted-catalog/#restore
  Also be aware that recent Lr versions backup the catalog in a dated 'ZIP' file that has to be expanded.
  
  
• how do I move files and keep the link to their library in the future?
  Must-See Lightroom Video Tutorial: Organize and Manage Your Photos and Folders | Laura Shoe's Lightr...
  For moving a large amount of folders and files, many users recommend the method to 'move with the OS' and Re-link in Lightroom. See this forum thread-
  Re: How do I move my pictures to external hard drive?
  
  
• best practice for recreating a library without reimporting the images
  The only method is to open a Backup Catalog!
  If your photos are not referenced in a Catalog, then importing is the only option.

• what is the "best practice" for re-associating these image folders with their proper library?
  https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-photos-missing-fix/
  There is no "proper library". One photo (the original image file) can be referenced in ANY ONE or SEVERAL catalogs.  Just like you can write someone's phone number in any number of address note-books.
  Lightroom does not contain the photos. The catalog file is a database file that contains the information and photo references that YOU put into it.
  Catalogs cannot share information therefore the recommendation you only ever have ONE Catalog. (With some exceptions)