Rapid Photo Downloader auto scan problem

Have you read the documentation regarding the automation preferences?

https://damonlynch.net/rapid/documentation/#automationpreferences

Also see the documentation regarding download sources:

https://damonlynch.net/rapid/documentation/#downloadfromdevices

I did not have any automation turned on - all the boxes are unchecked.
Regarding your 2nd link, about downloading, I saw this ...
  "Tip: In its default configuration, Rapid Photo Downloader looks for a DCIM folder in a device to determine whether it is a device from which to download. You can change this by adjusting the program settings."
How can I change the program settings?

I tried the purge thumbnails button in automation preferences just now.
All those unwanted pics have magically disappeared now from my local /home/Pictures !
Now I need to find out how not to allow auto downloads...I'll keep trying to find out how exactly to do that from this point.

By the way, for clarification on this particular issue I'm referring to, I used the RPD browser for files on my computer, not a device such as camera, sd card, etc.
I migrated to my external usb WD hard drive which contains all my pictures and videos from various Linux distros I've been using for a few years, all in separate OS folders. when I clicked my external hard drive main folder is when the auto scan started in Rapid Photo Downloader program.
Thank you for your help!

What is the output of this command when run from a terminal:

echo $XDG_CACHE_HOME

I have updated the documentation to answer your question "How can I change the program settings?"

No response ...same response if I add sudo

" [leo@leo-manjaro ~]$ echo $XDG_CACHE_HOME

[leo@leo-manjaro ~]$ "

re: "I have updated the documentation to answer your question "How can I change the program settings?"

 Where is that documentation located?

Ok I think I've solved it.
I opened my file manager to my Manjaro Distro and the Pictures folder was empty.
I then opened RPD and ticked "This Computer" at the upper left of the screen.
Then I migrated to my external drive and went to the backup folder holding the pics I want to import.
As soon as I ticked the Pictures folder, RPD started showing thumbnails. At this point I now see all the folders of the pics I am targeting, but the folders are each empty on my file manager.
I read the documentation again and it appears like this is normal.
NOW I have the option to download whichever I want to import. yay!! Thank you!!
I'll close this as solved if you wish.
Thanx!!

User reports problem solved