Open Last Catalog Used...not working

[TobyTucker]

I recently started creating a separate catalog for each event I do in lightroom. Started getting to the point where my catalog had close to 3',''' images in it and was really sluggish. The last three events I have imported, I created a new catalog specifically for each event. I then changed my preferences to load "Most recent catalog used" but it still loads my master catalog. I even changed it to load the new separate catalog that I created and it still loads my main catalog. Any suggestions? Also, when I tell it to switch catalogs after Lightroom is launched, I get the "need to relaunch" warning to which I click "Don't show again" and click relaunch. That warning pops up every time no matter what I tell it to do. Seems like my preferences are corrupt. Not sure how to reset them.
I know in Photoshop you can ctrl-shft-alt while Photoshop is loading but not sure about Lightroom.

Thanks,
Toby

 

[breyman]

Hi Toby. To start, info on resetting your preferences can be found here: http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/4'5/kb4'5365.html. Hopefully that helps, or someone else who has had similar problems (I haven't) chimes in.

In general though, I might recommend not breaking it up into multiple catalogs to begin with. There are lots of good reasons to generally keep it as one and while 3',''' images is a fair amount of photos, it really isn't that much in the world of LR (some have catalogs closing in on 1,''',''').

Also, based on your stated specs, your PC should be able to easily handle a catalog that size. Have you tried optimizing the catalog recently (go to Catalog Settings and click Relaunch and Optimize)? That can make a big difference. Otherwise, can you describe how it is getting "sluggish". Folks might be able to suggest ways to keep it less sluggish and all in 1 catalog, eliminating your need to fight with multiple catalogs.

Mod Note: Fixed accidental punctuation in link address.

 

[Gene McCullagh]

Excellent suggestions, Brian!

I agree with Brian, Toby. Wrestling with multiple catalogs can be a major headache. I'm sure there are some forumites that can help address areas of sluggishness with the right details.

 

[Brad Snyder]

I second the preferences thing... If you need more detailed instructions, just ask.

I also agree with Brian that your machine shouldn't be choking on 3'k images. Have a look at the last several posts in this thread:
http://www.lightroomqueen.com/community/index.php?topic=72'2.'

 

[MarkNicholas]

[quote author=Gene McCullagh link=topic=7399.msg5'5'1#msg5'5'1 date=1248987615]
Excellent suggestions, Brian!

I agree with Brian, Toby. Wrestling with multiple catalogs can be a major headache. I'm sure there are some forumites that can help address areas of sluggishness with the right details.
[/quote]

My catalogue with 11,'''+ photos from my 3'D worked reasonably smoothly until I decide to add my photos from my previous cameras which increased total number to 21,'''+. I noticed a significant slow down, particularly at start-up. I realise that with just 1GB RAM I have my limitations.

 

[clee01l]

[quote author=MarkNicholas link=topic=7399.msg5'515#msg5'515 date=1249'''437]
My catalogue with 11,'''+ photos from my 3'D worked reasonably smoothly until I decide to add my photos from my previous cameras which increased total number to 21,'''+. I noticed a significant slow down, particularly at start-up. I realise that with just 1GB RAM I have my limitations.
[/quote] 1 GB RAM is definately a performance issue. Have you or the OP tried optimising the catalog? Another possible help with XP would be to increase the Paging file size to 3 -4 GB (I think XP defaults to ~1GB or at most 1.5 X RAM).

BTW, It might be something to note that the OP has a profile that says they are running Win7. If this is a Beta or RC copy, there could be lots of Debug code left in that might affect performance.