LrC will not allow import to a specific folder

[JoLou]

Lightroom Version Number

15.2.1

Operating System

1. Windows 11

Every time I try to import to a folder of my choice I get the message, "The destination folder C:_________" is not available. Using "Pictures" folder instead.

There are photos of a recent trip in that folder and I wanted to add more from a different source. So frustrating to be excited to work on them and share them and hit a roadblock.

I have tried:

• importing from the SD card directly into LrC
• using Explorer to capture them on the pc then importing to LrC
• I have tried importing into different folders.
• I HAVE DELETED THE NAMED FILE and it still gives me that message.
• I have closed LrC.
• I have rebooted the pc.

At this point it looks like I will not ever be able to add new photos anywhere of my choice! I'm looking forward to your help with eager anticipation.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Welcome to the forum @JoLou

This might be a silly question, but there’s a checkbox for a second copy with a destination folder. That’s often the cause of this message. Is that an available folder?

If it is, then a screenshot of the right panel might offer some clues.

 

[JoLou]

That was a great question! I was able to import the files after bulling my way past the popup. At first it wouldn't let me scroll to get to the folders in the right panel. I hope I remember how I forced that.

However, can I get rid of that stupid message???? I don't want to have to do a work-around every time! This message pops right up at the beginning of the import process.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

That is progress! So when you next import, is the Second Copy checkbox in the File Handling panel checked and if it is (I’m assuming yes), then change the location. If not, a screenshot may offer extra clues.

Otherwise, the Destination panel is the other likely suspect.

 

[clee01l]

I get the message, "The destination folder C:_________" is not available. Using "Pictures" folder instead.

I think the folder that you are trying to use lies outside your user home folder. Normal users do not get access to these folder without an administrator ID granting such permissions. The Pictures folder ( C:\users\[your user name\Pictures ) does lie inside your home folder.

 

[JoLou]

That is progress! So when you next import, is the Second Copy checkbox in the File Handling panel checked and if it is (I’m assuming yes), then change the location. If not, a screenshot may offer extra clues.

Otherwise, the Destination panel is the other likely suspect.

I so appreciate your help and quick response yesterday. Today I tried an import again to look for the Second Copy checkbox and it was behaving just as it used to - no weird pop-up! I don't know what changed but I am so grateful that it did.

 

[JoLou]

I think the folder that you are trying to use lies outside your user home folder. Normal users do not get access to these folder without an administrator ID granting such permissions. The Pictures folder ( C:\users\[your user name\Pictures ) does lie inside your home folder.

Thanks for your reply. This folder is one in a long list of folders by date or trip. It was fine when I loaded the first batch of photos from my phone into the recent trip folder. When I created a sub folder for the phones from my camera and tried to import them, add metadata, then drag them into the original trip folder is when my problems began. However, overnight LrC returned to its usual self and all is well again - at least in my test this morning. Yea!