I am trying to copy iphoto library Error Code 36

Question

I am trying to copy iphoto library from one hard drive to another and get the message The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “iPhoto Library” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36) = Need to back iy up or my wife will kill me. thanks for help

Answer 1

Here is something you can try:
Obtain iPhoto Library Manager. It is an inexpensive program you can download. Run it and tell it to REBUILD your iPhoto Library from your original iPhoto Library. It will create a NEW file in a destination that you specify (you can specify the other hard drive and thus get a backup all at once) and try to recreate the iPhoto Library based on the info from your original one. Depending on the problem causing your -36 file error, iPhoto Library Manager may (a) successfully recreate your entire photo library successfully on the other hard drive; (b) recreate all of your original photo library except for the part that is damaged; or (c) won't be able to finish at all if the disk problems are severe enough.
If (c) happens, you may have to copy the actual photos individually out of the iPhoto Library and into a new iPhoto Library. The actual photos are inside the iPhoto Library. You can find them by control-click once on the iPhoto Library and select Show Package Contents. The folder called Originals or Masters has the photos (originals) and a folder called Modified or Previews has the edited photos. I suggest COPYING (not moving) these folders to the external drive. You will then need to re-import the actual photos inside these folders to a new iPhoto Library.