Reader Question: Why does Lightroom tell me that my raw files are damaged but they work just fine in the Adobe Bridge?
Reader Question: “When I insert my flash card into my card reader, and try to use Lightroom to import my new files, I get a message that tells me that they are damaged. I tried opening the same files using the Adobe Bridge and they worked just fine. What is happening?”
Answer: You are not running an up-to-date version of Lightroom.
To understand this issue, you must understand that all digital camera Raw files require processing. The Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) Processing Engine, which is basically the code underneath the Lightroom Develop Module, needs different algorithms for each and every different type of digital camera. Lightroom needs up-to-date instructions for every camera model because each model uses a different sensor and a different internal processing routine.
That your Raw files work fine with the Adobe Bridge is evidence that the files themselves are probably not damaged. My guess is that your version of the Adobe Bridge has been updated recently, but your copy of Lightroom has not. This link will take you to the updates site for Lightroom on a Mac and this link will take you to the updates site for a PC.
Filed Under: FAQ
About the Author: David’s sports and landscape images are often used on the web and in outdoor sports publications. He has an extensive knowledge of digital photography and is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. David is a talented instructor and his entertaining teaching style works for students of all skill levels.
In 2009, David Marx led digital photography programs for the 
I have had the same problem and LTR is up to date. The files will import fine if I copy them to a hard drive using a card reader or import directly from the camera. If I reboot, LTR will sometimes recognize them from the card reader.
I replaced my card reader and it seems to have corrected the problem.
Gary