Moving, converting files to DNG

[ButchM]

Hi ... been awhile since I stopped by.
I need some expert advice .... I want to make some changes to my LR library. First I want to migrate the files from 2 5'' GB IDE drives to a single 1 TB SATA drive ... but I also want to convert my NEF files to DNG in the process ... but I would like to retain my collections and virtual copies and hopefully not have to re-import all the images into a new catalog. Once I have the legacy files converted to DNG, I will begin importing all new image files as DNG.
Any advice on the proper method and pitfalls to avoid would be greatly appreciated.
Butch

 

[Denis Pagé]

Backup Catalog!

Make sure you work with top level folders on both drives and copy their structure to the new drive. Open Lightroom, right-click the first top level folder from the old drive(s) and choose "Update Folder Location" navigating to the new 1TB drive.

Select NEF images, Menu -> Library -> Convert Photos to DNG...

To avoid overloading the new drive and as your originals are still safe on the old drives, put a checkmark in front of "Delete originals after successful conversion".

You can do this before moving to the new drive ONLY IF you have those NEFs backed up somewhere else. This is why it is preferable to just stop using the old drives and work the conversion on the new drive with NEFs copies.

 

[sizzlingbadger]

Keep an eye on your wastebasket, it may fill with the old files....

 

[ButchM]

Thanks Denis and sizzle.

I actually keep three copies of everything ... 1 working drive that is online all the time .... 1 backup drive that is only online during the daily or as needed backup process ... and another kept off-site that is backed up weekly or as needed during busier periods.

I knew there was a logical process and I also knew this is the place to get the details.

Thanks again!