Removing Indexed Files

DEVONthink
1

Newbie here. I created a database that is indexed and now see the wisdom of having just an imported database. I selected a database, then clicked on Data > Move To, intending to move the files into the database. However, all of the options when Move To is selected are grayed out, indicating to me that the files are already in the database. However, if I then go to Finder and send one of the groups to the Trash, I am rewarded with a lot of “missing file” messages, which tells me that the files are NOT in the database. I’m so confused! Is there a way to move from an indexed database to one that breaks the link to the Finder? Do I have to start all over again?

2

Welcome @Athirne

I selected a database, then clicked on Data > Move To, intending to move the files into the database. However, all of the options when Move To is selected are grayed out, indicating to me that the files are already in the database.

That is incorrect. The database isn’t indexed. Groups or documents in a database are indexed.

You should select the indexed parent group in the database and choose Data > Move to > Move into Database.

PS: Before indexing – and even after the fact – you should read and understand the In & Out > Importing & Indexing section of the built-in Help and manual.

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3

Thank you. I have solved my problem by deleting the database and starting all over again, this time following the suggestions in the DT manual. I read the In & Out > Importing & Indexing section of the manual three times and I still did not fully understand what I was reading. A somewhat unrelated question: Now that I have a database stored in the root directory, can I move it to an external drive? The database is 160Gb and leaves me with only 74GB on my internal drive. I back up my computer and the external drives to iDrive on a regular basis.

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You’re welcome :slight_smile:

Yes, you can quit DEVONthink and move the .dtBase2 file to an external drive and open it from there.
I recommend you add the external drive to your Time Machine (or similar snapshot-style backup app) backups.

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