Lightroom — Move To New Computer

Here are the steps if your computer is dying or you want to upgrade your hard drive/computer.

1. You should install Lightroom on your new computer/hard drive.
2. Copy all the directories that contain your photos.
3. Copy all of your Lightroom presets:
   • Windows XP: It's in the Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Adobe\Lightroom folder with the file names ending in .lrtemplate
   • Windows Vista: It's in the Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom folder with the file names ending in .lrtemplate
   • Apple OSx: It's in the [username]/Library/Application Support/Adobe/Lightroom folder with file names ending in .lrtemplate
4. Copy all of your Lightroom preferences
   • Windows XP: Documents and Settings\[username]\Application Data\Adobe\Lightroom\Preferences\Lightroom 2 Preferences.agprefs
   • Windows Vista: Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom\Lightroom 2 Preferences.agprefs
   • Apple OSx: In the [username]/Library/Preferences folder: com.adobe.Lightroom2.plist
5. Backup all of your Lightroom catalogs.
6. Do not bother copying all the previews, they will be regenerated by Lightroom when Lightroom will need them.

Replace [username] with your logon id.

Tags: Dam | Lightroom | Lightroom-How-To | Technical