Lightroom encountered an error with preview cache

Adobe Lightroom can sometimes throw an error message regarding the preview cache and needs to quit. Lightroom will automatically attempt to fix this problem the next time it starts but sometimes, further intervention is required to fix this issue. 

Why does Adobe Lightroom display grey thumbnails?

Adobe Lightroom will display grey thumbnails instead of actual thumbnails when there is a problem with the preview cache. The cache file can often become corrupt or your disk may be full. SysFix IT Support can assist you with this issue. Simply book an appointment to receive technical support with this issue.

If you're using Microsoft Windows:

  1. Close/Quit Lightroom.
  2. Locate the folder that contains your Lightroom catalog file. It's most likely located in the My Pictures/Lightroom folder under your user folder.
  3. Find and open the Catalog-name, Previews.lrdata folder.
  4. Then drag the previews.db and root-pixels.db files to the recycle bin.
  5. Next, Restart Adobe Lightroom. If you then have the same issue, return to the folder you opened in step 2.
  6. Next, drag the entire Catalog-name, Previews.lrdata folder to the recycle bin.
  7. Restart Lightroom again.

Tip: You do not need to delete the Catalog-name, Smart Preview.lrdata folder, if one exists. The folder contains smart previews, which are different from previews.

If you're using an Apple Mac OS: (horrible things!)

  1. Exit out of Lightroom.
  2. then navigate to the folder that contains your Lightroom catalog. The usual location is in the Pictures/Lightroom folder under your username.
  3. Find and drag the Catalog-name, Previews.lrdata file to the trash.
  4. Next, restart Lightroom.
Tip: You do not need to delete the Catalog-name, Smart Preview.lrdata folder, if it exists. The folder contains smart previews. These are different from normal previews.

Be Aware: After you delete the preview files, your files and folders may reopen more slowly while previews are being rebuilt.

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