Moving Lightroom to a new computer

So I got my own new computer and upgrading to the 1.2, how can I not lose all of the hard work I have put into sorting, organizing, rating, and all the time it took me to do this. I am not that good on a computer so please is there a way to put Lightroom 1.2 on my new computer and transfer certain files from the computer I was using that contain all of the above information so I do not have to start from square one again. Please if you need anymore information from me just ask and I will do my best to answer.

It's very easy, I promise.

First, install Lightroom on your new computer. You can download 1.2 and just input your serial number instead of having to find original discs.

Then, on your old computer, find your current catalog. The easiest way is to open LR and go to File > Catalog Settings. That will tell you where you've stored it.

You want to copy all of your photographs, and that catalog file, onto your new computer. You could put them on a dvd and transfer them, or use a usb flash drive, external drive, or data cable - anything along those lines. Don't delete it off the old computer until you know your new one's all set up and working.

Now, on your new computer, hold down Alt while you open LR. That will bring up a box asking you where to find the catalog. Point it to the catalog you've just copied over to your new computer.

Hey presto, it should open your catalog along with all the settings.

If it can't find the pictures, the folder names might go red, and there might be a little question mark on the top right corner of each image. Right click on the red folder name, or click on a question mark, and tell it where the photographs are now.

Victoria _ out of curiosity I tried your suggestion on finding the catalog but had to hold down the Crtl key ...

Should work with both - either Ctrl or Alt on Windows, Opt on Mac. I haven't tested it on windows since 1.1 though, so it may have changed in the latest release.

The Alt tab brings up the Windows Properties for LR in WinXp.

Thanks for the tip though thats good to know.

Thank you so much I will let you know how everything goes, I was to scared to do anything yet because I did not want to screw it all up.

Tsmith wrote in post #3936649
The Alt tab brings up the Windows Properties for LR in WinXp.

Oooooh, I'll investigate, thanks!

Ok first problem I tried to find "Catalog Settings" under file and everything else and I just can't find it. I am I doing something wrong?

Nan, go to Help > About Adobe Photoshop Lightroom - which version are you running?

Catalog Settings should be towards the bottom of the file menu, in either 1.1 or 1.2

I am still on 1.0 because I was scared that if I updated I would lose my collections and everything else. (What can I say I am not always the most logical person). If I upgrade will it fix the problem and I will be able to see or get at this "Catalog Settings"?
You rock thanks for all the help and answering all my stupid questions.

You're ok, it's not a problem, we can work around it.

Close LR on your old PC, and open it again holding down the Ctrl key - that will bring up a box which tells you where your library is. And write it down, because it would be a good thing to back up regularly anyway!

Then carry on as before (this just skips the catalog settings stage)

I'm off to bed - I'll check back in in the morning.

Thanks it work yeah! (Doing a little dance in the background) You rock! Sleep well!

nan3182 wrote in post #3936838
Thanks it work yeah! (Doing a little dance in the background) You rock! Sleep well!

I've updated from 1.0 to 1.1 to 1.2 and never had to do anything except delete the old shortcut from the screen.

Everything worked fine.

Tsmith wrote in post #3936649
The Alt tab brings up the Windows Properties for LR in WinXp.

Thanks for the tip though thats good to know.

Thanks Tsmith. It's ages since I used it on Windows, so I went back and investigated. It seems holding down Alt or Ctrl just after you double click does the trick. I think I'll stick to my Mac!

Glenn NK wrote in post #3936898
I've updated from 1.0 to 1.1 to 1.2 and never had to do anything except delete the old shortcut from the screen.

Everything worked fine.

I just updated from 1.1 to 1.2 and I didnt even have to enter the serial number, it just worked, all o.k.. It even changed the shortcut on the desktop for me.