Don't ever, Ever, EVER open this menu! LOL
I used
Blue Iris features within the Blue Iris environment to perform Blue Iris functions -- very simple ones at that -- and experienced quite unexpected results in this particular instance for whatever reasons. I would respectfully suggest that operator error wasn't one of them. I would also strongly suggest that the particular state of the system (as suggested as a possibility) was much more likely to have been the cause. Again, for whatever reason(s). I have not been able to replicate it since.
That said, the BI database is hardly as delicate as has been suggested and can clearly tolerate some pretty heavy abuse and still stay on its feet.
Case in point as a test, (and obviously not advisable as recommended practice), I moved several more clip files from folder to folder and drive to drive with plain old Windows File Explorer copy/paste and even drag and drop without the database wetting its panties. The file associations remained intact and full BI functionality still existed for all clips simply by clicking on the file, which in turn, simply opened a console session as one would expect. And fwiw in this discussion, I do understand the cascading folder hierarchy aspect and how BI wants to see that implemented, particularly with respect to the Aux folders (however they may be named), Regardless, how my two clips just vanished will likely remain a mystery. Not even the brute force caveman File Explorer test methods created any obvious problems and none of the clips disappeared or were inaccessible despite such unorthodox methodology. I even moved multiple clips simultaneously without obvious problems.
Finally, I was indeed in the process (and still am) of finalizing my initial build and config according to many sources of information. And while I'm obviously still learning, I don't need a 4 ~ 6TB HDD for my purposes. I already knew that. Blue Iris clearly provides various ways to move and manage clips according to one's particular needs, requirements and creativity. I already knew that, too. Now so does anyone else who reads this thread -- contrary to the prevailing advice contained herein. But despite what likely appears as an overly contentious position, I do appreciate the shared input and experience -- albeit somewhat limited in its actual scope and accuracy. Perhaps something can also be learned from mine.
The beauty and genius of Blue Iris is its depth and flexibility, not it's rigidity.
Thank you very much for your time.
