OS 10.9.5
Using an external GTech drive for LR catalog and raw files.
I fortunately back up each time I close LR, so I used the last backup and was able to load the catalog. Looks like the last import didn't make it, but I recovered the files from the camera card.
Looks like I am ok, but it is unnerving to say the least. I'd love to know what caused it, so that I avoid the minutes of terror before I figured out the work around.
Backup, backup, backup.
Thanks for responding, Geoff.
Denise
