I keep running out of memory on my computer which is dedicated to astro images. I use Light Room and when I transferred my photos to an external USB, they won't show in light room anymore. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Firstly you can transfer your files to USB BEFORE adding them to Lightroom and then import them into Lightroom using the import functionality but select "add" instead of "copy". This will store them on a USB drive but add them to the LR catalog and you will need that USB drive plugged in while using LR. Also remember LR's edits are non-destructive so if you connect the USB drive to another computer you'll see your original files without any LR edits. If you want to retain edits then you need to use LR's export functionality or store the entire LR image catalog on the USB as well.
Second, for existing files: If you move a folder containing images using Windows Explorer to the USB drive the the LR database will lose track of where the files are and display a ? next to the offending file or folder. Simply right click on the folder with the question mark and click "Find Missing Folder" and point it to where you put them on the external USB drive. That way the LR database is re-linked with the physical copy of the file. Again you'll need your USB plugged in when you open LR to make edits.
