> I've recreated the database with 120x120 jpeg Q80. The size is smaller but still 1.95 GB.
I'd expected the compression to make a bigger difference.. too bad.
> I'd like to use it but is there any way to transfer my saved searches, galleries and user fields?
No, I'm afraid not..
But I still don't understand why you couldn't jpg-compress the thumbnails in your existing database. It would be great if you could get that to work because that would preserve all your searches, user fields, etc.
There are two more things that I'd try. The first is this:
[*]Make a copy of your original database and open that copy in TP9
[*]Remove the thumbnails for a number of folders that are less important than others (for instance because the images in them have no keywords and aren't part of galleries, etc)
[*]Run 'Compact and Repair' to purge them, making the database smaller
[*]Then try the JPG Compress conversion again.
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If that doesn't work:
[*]Open that same copy of the database again. Take note of its exact size in bytes.
[*]Use Options | Preferences | Thumbnails to change the thumbnail settings to 120x120 JPG Q80.
[*]Re-make the thumbnails for several large folders that already have thumbnails.
[*]See if that has lowered the filesize of the database (even if just a little).
[*]If not, run Compact & Repair and see if that helps decrease the size.
[*]If it has, keep on remaking your current thumbnails until all have been remade. (you may have to run Compact & Repair intermittently but I don't think so)
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With some luck that should change all your thumbnails to 120x120 whilst preserving searches, user fields, etc and still staying just below the 2 GB limit.