"C" Drive crashed, what is best way to restore catalogs?

[kenskopp]

Hello,

I have never understood how PSE2021 restores catalogs. Windows 10 Pro crashed. My "C" drive had to be restored with new download of Windows 10. I currently have a separate internal 3T HDD "D". On the "D" drive I have all my photo and videos folders, plus my five catalogs are backed up on "D". The file structure is "D"/adobe Backup/Family/Family Catalog 1, "backup.tly". My other 4 catalogs "General", "Military", Trips", and "Trains" have similar structure. I have backed up my "Family Catalog 1" by selecting the "backup.tly" file. Now that catalog is in my Organizer all of the photos show a "?". They are not connected. I have found that I must select on album, then deselect all files from catalog and import them back into the album. Since I have 100s of albums in five catalogs, there must be an easier way to set things up.
I have been using PSE since version 10. Adobe has lousy help. Nowhere have I found information on how Adobe does its catalogs and back up process. Please give me guidance on how to set up my backup program.

I notice in PSE2021 a new option upon exiting which is "auto save". If i use it, what does it do? The next time I have to reset my computer to factory default, I wish I had a cleaner, easier way to reconstruct my Organizer.

I do have two external drives that I back up my two internal drives.

[Steve Grisetti]

First, Ken. Let me give you my sympathy. A hard drive crash is a terrible thing!

But at least you had all your media files backed up. What software did you use to back up these files? Was it the Organizer's backup system or Windows' or some other system?

I've never had to restore a mess like this, but I hope it's easier than what you describe!

[kenskopp]

Now I am more confused. I did a restore of my "Family Catalog 1" in the organizer. Now in my "C" drive under Adobe/...../Catalog Ihave a file named "Family Catalog 1" Also, I tried the "Auto Save" upon exiting the Organizer. In this same Catalog folder now there is a new file with a long numeric name.
So my basic question is what is the best way to arrange backups so that when my "C" drive crashes again I will have minimal work in restoring my Organizer and five catalogs. Any guidance will be appreciated. Thank you.

[Steve Grisetti]

I hope someone has a better answer than I do.

I don't use the Organizer to back up my files. Instead I back up my whole computer with software that does automatic incremental backups a couple of times a week. If/When my computer crashes, I'll just restore the entire drive, catalog and all, and expect the Organizer to be none the wiser.

But there must be more to it than that.

Any experts out there with some insight?

[sidd finch]

Sorry your drive crashed, I had something like that happen a couple of years ago too.

You might consider having a dedicated backup program as Steve suggests to back everything up in case it happens again. Also if the drive crashed you might consider replacing that drive. No need to get everything installed again and have the crash continue to happen.

Sidd

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

There is a good range of backup software out there.

I have used Macrium Reflect for many years now. I use the paid version (a one-off payment not an annual subscription) but there is a free version which provides basic backup and restore functionality.

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

One that is recommended for consideration on your shortlist.

[Peru]

I've been using the free AOMEI:
https://www.aomeitech.com/download.html