Opening photo management software from Time Machine backup but catalogs are locked and cannot be adjusted

I have a new Mac mini os 27.0. My previous Mac died on me. I am trying to open up my Capture One pro Catalogs, (photo management/adjustment software) from Time Machine backup However I am told that the catalogs are locked and I am not allowed to make any adjustments. How can I unlock them please?

Posted on Sep 27, 2026 9:59 AM

1 reply

neuroanatomist

Level 9 (72,871 points)

Sep 27, 2026 10:15 AM in response to burkey31899

You cannot open files in the Time Machine backup itself. Time Machine does not support editing (or any manual manipulation) of files in the backup itself. Doing so will corrupt the backup.

Rather, you need to restore those files to your Mac in order to use them. Follow the steps here to restore your C1 catalogs from your backup to your new Mac:

Restore items backed up with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support

If the location is no longer on your Mac, you should be able to secondary click (right click) on the item(s) in the TM backup and select Restore To..., then choose a new location.