Back up or restore catalogs | Elements Organizer 15 and earlier versions

If you have multiple catalogs, open the catalog you want to back up.

Select File > Backup Catalog.

If a dialog box appears asking if you want to reconnect missing files, do one of the following:

• Click Reconnect to check for missing files. If you clicked Reconnect, and missing files are found, the Reconnect Missing Files dialog box appears and prompts you to reconnect the missing files.

• Click Continue to proceed with backing up files. Elements Organizer automatically performs a recover procedure.

In step 1 of the Backup wizard, select one of the following options, and click Next:

Creates a copy of the entire catalog and all the photo files, video files, audio clips, PDFs, projects, and other related files. Choose this option at least the first time you back up your files.

Creates a copy of the catalog, all new or modified media files, PDFs, projects, and other related files since the last full or incremental backup.

In step 2 of the Backup wizard, set the following options, and then click Save Backup:

• From the Select Destination Drive list, select the CD, DVD, or hard drive to which you want to burn the items.

• Type a name for the backup session in the Name textbox, or accept the default name.

• If you select a CD or DVD drive, choose a speed for burning the items. The highest possible speed for your drive and CD/DVD media is chosen by default. If that speed doesn’t work, try progressively lower speeds until you find one that works.

• If you select a hard drive, Backup Path specifies where the files are backed up on an internal hard drive or network hard drive. To change the location, click Browse, and select another location.

• If you’re making an incremental backup, Previous Backup File is used to determine what has changed since the last backup, if any. To browse to another previous backup file, click Browse, and select another file.

After Elements Organizer calculates the size and estimated time needed for the backup, click Save Backup. If you selected a CD or DVD drive, you are prompted to insert writable CDs or DVDs as needed.

If you’re making an incremental backup, locate or insert the media containing the last full backup, or incremental backup, and follow the on‑screen directions.

As each CD or DVD is burned, Elements Organizer lets you verify the disc. Although verifying is time-consuming, ensure that the discs are created correctly.

Do one of the following:

• If you backed up to removable media, such as a CD or DVD, insert it into your computer.

• If you backed up to an external hard drive, make sure that it’s connected to your computer.

Select File > Restore Catalog.

In Restore From, specify where the files to restore are located:

• Select CD/DVD if your backup files are on either of these media. If necessary, use the Select Drive menu to choose the drive with the CD or DVD.

• Select Hard Drive/Other Volume if your backup files are on your hard disk or other removable media, such as a flash drive. Click the Browse button to locate the backup file to restore.

Specify a location for the restored catalog and files:

• Select Original Location to restore your catalog, photos, video files, PDFs, projects, and audio clips to their original locations.

• Select New Location to restore the catalog and images to a new drive or folder. Click Browse to select a location. Select Restore Original Folder Structure to preserve the hierarchy of the folders and subfolders that contain your catalog, photos, video files, PDFs, projects, and audio clips.

Click Restore.