Two computers - one EHD PSE 6

[rmitcho]

So after reading through the threads I get the sense it is not possible (without a degree in computer science) to maintain ONE PSE catalog on a portable external hard drive and move it back and forth between a PC and a laptop via the USB ports.

And upgrading to Lightroom wouldn't make that possible? What about Photoshop?

Given everything that Adobe can do with their software, that just doesn't seem beyond the realm of possiblity. What am I missing here?

[Juergen D]

If you move both the catalog file and all the pictures to the external drive, you should be able to do so. PSE Organizer will have to point from the PC and the laptop to the catalog on that external drive.

I am not sure what will happen with the thumbnail cache. It may have to rebuilt on one of the machines.

Juergen

[rmitcho]

That sounds hopeful. Where exactly does the catalog reside? I'm assuming it is somewhere within the program files?

It seems logical to me that if the catalog AND photos resided on the EHD, they could be accessed from either the laptop or PC as long as the organizer pointed there.

I know how to move files within Elements, BUT how would I go about moving the catalog? It sounds like open heart surgery to me! Could have deadly results!

[Juergen D]

The catalog file is in a hidden folder under ProgramData (Vista) or Documents and Settings/All Users (XP). Before moving it with Windows, you should try moving it from within the Organizer. I don't have PSE6, but I assume you have a move option in the >File >Catalog dialog box. Also, if you have to do it with Windows, it would probably be safer to copy it.

Juergen

[rmitcho]

Thanks
It looks like I can specify a unique location for my catalog (EHD) but its not apparent how you "move" a catalog. Looks like that option becomes available at some point in the process, but I'm just too cowardly to try to move the catalog at this point. I'm still exploring how I can manage my photos on two computers. I may have to abandon Elements and move to another application if it becomes to "iffy". What I don't want to do is lose my catalog all together. I have over 6000 images tagged, and rated!

[Juergen D]

What I don't want to do is lose my catalog all together.
Which platform are you on? XP, Vista? You will not loose the catalog if you have a backup (copy) of it and/or make a PSE-internal backup.

Post back and we'll take it from there.

Juergen

[johnrellis]

To build on Juergen's advice, it's very straightforward in PSE 6 to move both your catalog and folders to an external hard drive:

http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showpost.php?p=442761&postcount=5

(Juergen, the thumbnail cache is part of the catalog folder in PSE 6 and 7 and will get moved when you move the catalog.)

[Juergen D]

(Juergen, the thumbnail cache is part of the catalog folder in PSE 6 and 7 and will get moved when you move the catalog.)

Thanks, John. :)

Juergen