Backing up and restoring iPhoto Library

I am currently using Time Machine to back up my iMac, including my iPhoto Library, which is quite large (80 GB). If I have to restore the iPhoto Library, will the photos retain their descriptions so that I an reorganize them? How about using a cloud-based backup such as Backblaze or Crashplan?

Well that "restore" should work but it's not quite the same as backing up the whole library.
It is too much? Well, I come close to that but - like you - I have a local back up and two remotes (on in my car, one stored at a relatives house. So for the online storage, rather than backing up the entire thing again, instead I just backed up the photos themselves. There are many options: Flickr, Picasa, SmugMug etc. However, check the terms of your account carefully. While most sites have free uploading, you will often find that these uploads are limited in terms of the file size or the bandwidth you can use per month. For access that allows you to upload full size pics with no restrictions you may need to pay.
FWIW I use SmugMug. My logic is...if the Mac fails, I have the local back up, if that's gone I have two more, and then if they're gone, well at least I have the photos. Plus I can view them from any computer in the world.
Regards
TD

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I am looking for software to store photos with. I am not a fancy photographer, and really am just looking for the digital version of a photo album. iPhoto is not cutting it, mainly because it does not back up and restore easily on an external HD.

I am looking for software to store photos with. I am not a fancy photographer, and really am just looking for the digital version of a photo album. iPhoto is not cutting it, mainly because it does not back up and restore easily on an external HD.

That's how Time Machine and iPhoto now work. Restore the library to one of the external HDs, check it for the photos you want, export them to the boot drive and delete the restored library.
If you know the file name of the photo you're looking for you can search for them in the TM backup using Find Any File.
My workflow allows me to do that:
1 - upload new photos to a folder on the Desktop.
2 - name the folder to represent the contents and date: 01/03/10-Toads Bday
3 - use a file renaming app to sequentially rename the photos in the folder to: 2010-01-03-Toads Bday-001.JPG, -002,JPG, -003.JPG, etc.
4 - import the folder into iPhoto creating an Event with the same title as the folder.
Now I can search for those file by file name with any app of my choosing.

I want to back up my 4S but I don't get the correct screen when I plug it into my Mac - Just iPhotos and iTunes (songs) pop up. How do I get to the screen where I can back up and restore?

I want to back up my 4S but I don't get the correct screen when I plug it into my Mac - Just iPhotos and iTunes (songs) pop up. How do I get to the screen where I can back up and restore?

Hi Spookola,
I don't know how that could have happened. Go through the folders for the rolls and separate the 2005 rolls from the 2006 rolls, then import the 2006 rolls.

Backing up and restoring photos.

I was thinking about investing in an external hard drive to start using Time Machine. However, one of, if not the, main thing that I would be backing up is my iPhoto library. I understand that you can look back and whatnot, but have another question. Let's say that my MacBook takes a terrible tumble, and the data is lost. When I buy a new one, or get a new hard drive for it, whichever, will all of my photos be restored to iPhoto as they were on the last back up via Time Machine? I'm sure that is the way it works, but there is no harm in making sue prior to spending money on an HDD.

Eric,
Yes. Better yet: In the scenario you describe, you would boot to the Leopard install disk (or Software Restore disk #1) when the new machine/drive arrives, and use the "Restore from a Time Machine Backup" function to restore your entire installation, as it existed at your last backup. This may not work if the new machine is not exactly the same as your old one, as newer models may require drivers, etc. that are not present in your backed up installation, but it is a powerful tool nonetheless. If you are merely replacing the drive in your existing machine, there would be no issues.
Even when a prospective new machine will boot only to the installation of OS X that comes with that machine (installed from its machine-specific Software Restore disks), your Time Machine backup can be used as a source for the "Migration Assistant" when the new machine is first booted. This will return your backed up HOME folder and its contents (at the very least) to the new, unique installation of OS X.
Scott

Restoring iPhoto Library from a backup

Hi, I recently bought the backup program "Backblaze" just in time! I few days ago I accidentally lost my entire iPhoto library. Luckily after a 12.4 GB download (which took about a day and a half - man backblaze is awesome!) I had my library back. There is one difference. Instead of a package with a cute icon called "iPhoto Library" the restored version has the same file structure except that the package is now just a folder named "iPhoto Library." This means that I can't simply drag it into the photos folder.
My question. Can I drag the contents of the restored "iPhoto Library" folder into my now empty "iPhoto Library" package?
In case that was confusing, here is a picture:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1347667/SnapNDrag66.jpg

I restored the library in a folder - not a package. You can not simply open the folder in iPhoto.
But, I decided to just try it and see what happens - it worked.
I held down option when starting iPhoto, then created a new library. Then I closed iPhoto, showed that package's contents and then dragged the contents of the backblaze backup into the new iPhoto library telling finder to replace everything. My iPhoto library is now fully functional.

How best to restore iPhoto library to new Mac mini

So I have a brand new Mac Mini and my iPhoto library from my old iMac is backed both on Time Machine and via CCC on different external HDs. I want to transfer my iPhoto library(>200 GB) to the new Mini. Is there any reason to restore from Time Machine versus CCC? Are there advantages to using one versus the other? I would like to keep my events, albums, etc. if possible. I made the CCC backup just to have an extra backup.
Thanks in advance.
Jim

You can use the one you prefer because it's the same. With Carbon Copy Cloner, you just need to go to the folder of the external disk with the library and copy the library to Pictures folder, and with Time Machine, you can use Time Machine UI to restore the iPhoto library

After restoring iPhoto library, iPhoto does not recognize library

OS 10.8.3
iMac 3.1 GHz Intel Core i5
iPhoto '11 ver 9.4.3
I had my iPhoto library on an external hard dirve that crashed. I replaced the hard drive and restored the iPhoto Library from Time Machine (went into time machine, selected the last back-up, and selected restore). When I opened iPhoto, it asked me to select a library. I go to the hard drive and the iPhoto Library is there, but in light gray so I can not select it. In the "Get Info", it list is as a package and says to open it with Terminal. I tried to change it to open with iPhoto, but get the error message, "iPhoto is unable to open this library." I click Rebuild, iPhoto thinks for a few mooments and then "quits unexpectedly".
In finder, when I click on "Show Package COntents", all of the photos, details, etc... are there.
Any suggestions on how to get iPhoto to allow me to actually select the library?
Thanks,
Adam

If you have room on the EHD select the next to last backup to restore and see if it can be recognized by iPhoto.
I'd also try this: create a new empty folder, open the library with the Finder and move all of the files in the library into the new folder. Now see if iPhoto will recognize the new folder as a library.
Alos download and run iPhoto Library Manager to see if it will recognize the library.
There's something going on that prevents iPhoto from seeing it as a legitimate library. This screenshot shows all of the files in my iPhoto library. The highlighted file is a result of using iPhoto Library Manage on the library and won't be in your library.

Backing up and restoring site definitions

Losing your site definitions in Dreamweaver can be a disaster, but it does happen sometimes. The best way to prepare for such an eventuality is to back up your site definitions on a regular basis.
Creating a backup
You can back up all your site definitions in a single operation by selecting Site > Manage Sites. In the dialog box that opens, Shift-click to select all site names, and then click Export.
In Dreamweaver CS6, the Manage Sites dialog box looks like this:
In earlier versions of Dreamweaver, it looks like this:
Dreamweaver asks if you want to include passwords and login details (this is the default option). Whichever option you choose will be applied to all sites, so click Cancel if you want to treat some sites separately, and export your sites in two sets by using Ctrl/Cmd-click to select them.
When you click OK, Dreamweaver asks where you want to export the definitions. Navigate to a suitable location, leave the File name field unchanged, and click Save. Although only one site name is listed in the File name field, Dreamweaver exports all the site definitions as .ste files in a single operation.
NOTE: This process backs up only the details of your sites, such as the location of the root folder, FTP details, and so on. It does not back up the actual files in your site, such as .html (or .php, .asp, .cfm) files, images, and style sheets. It's a good idea to use your normal file backup routine on your actual files from time to time, as well as exporting the site definitions.
Restoring site definitions
In the event of losing your site definitions in Dreamweaver or moving to a new computer, open the Manage Sites dialog box, and use the Import button to navigate to your backup .ste files.
What if I don't have a backup?
Often, if you don't have a backup of .ste files, you need to go through the whole process of re-entering the details for each site manually.
However, you might be able to restore them by using a restore point on Windows or Time Machine in Mac OS X.
On Windows, the site definitions for Dreamweaver CS6 are stored in the Windows Registry at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Common\12.0\Sites.
In Mac OS X, they are at Macintosh HD:<username>:Library:Application Support:Adobe:Common:12.0:Sites:Site Prefs.
In recent versions of Mac OS X, the Library folder is hidden. In the Mac Finder, select Go > Go to Folder, type ~/Library in the search field, and click Go.
Dreamweaver CS5.5 site definitions are in the same location, except use 11.5 instead of 12.0. The numbers for CS4 and CS3 are 10 and 9 (without a decimal fraction) respectively. For earlier versions of Dreamweaver, substitute Macromedia for Adobe, and adjust the number accordingly.
If you don't have a backup of the actual files on your site, download the files from your remote server.

Hello,
We are running iPlanet 5.2 Messaging Server and need
to migrate to another (duplicate) 5.2 Messaging
Server. We have all the software installed and the
LDAP user accounts created. Now we just need to move
the existing mail from one server to the other.
I found the Backing Up and Restoring the Message
Store section in the Admin Guide says to back up and
restore your data, Messaging Server provides the
imsbackup and imsrestore utilities.
However I am wondering about the Queue?
Under <instance>/imta/queue
What is the difference between the Message Store
and the Queue? The Message Store is where messages get delivered to, so you can read them.'
The queue is where messages are temporarily stored, pending delivery to wherever they go.
You can use tar, cpio, or what have you for the queue. Stop the server first. . .
You then just restore the files to the new server. No need to restart or anything like that. Just dump the files in, and run
imsimta cache -sync
to tell the MTA to re-read the queue.
Can I just backup and restore the
Queue using tar or cpio?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Regards,
Tim

How do I back up my entire iphoto library to an external hard drive that I have dedicated for photos only? Can I simply drag the iphoto library onto my seagate (hard drive) icon?

How do I back up my entire iphoto library on to an external hard drive that will be my second back up plan. I already have one back up that is also synched with time machine. But now I want to back up my iphoto library to a new hard drive to have a second copy. Can I simply drag the whole library onto the icon on my desk top? THX

WHile you can do it that way, the next time you back up you'll end up copying the entire library again, and,as you'l see, once a library gets bigger that can take a considerable amount of time.
Try using an app that will do incremental back ups. This is a very good way to work. The first time you run the back up the app will make a complete copy of the Library. Thereafter it will update the back up with the changes you have made. That makes subsequent back ups much faster. Many of these apps also have scheduling capabilities: So set it up and it will do the back up automatically.
Example of such apps: Chronosync - but there are many others. Search on MacUpdate or the App Store

I want to create a back up of my iPhoto library on an external hard drive (not Time Machine). How do I do that?, I want to create a back up of my iPhoto library on an external hard drive (not Time Machine). How do I do that?

I want to create a back up of my iPhoto library on an external hard (not the time machine backup). I've searched the iPhoto help, but unfortunately it does not tell me 'how' to create this additional backup of my library. Thanks

Most Simple Back Up:
Drag the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder to another Disk. This will make a copy on that disk.
Slightly more complex: Use an app that will do incremental back ups. This is a very good way to work. The first time you run the back up the app will make a complete copy of the Library. Thereafter it will update the back up with the changes you have made. That makes subsequent back ups much faster. Many of these apps also have scheduling capabilities: So set it up and it will do the back up automatically.
Example of such apps: Chronosync - but there are many others. Search on MacUpdate or the App Store

Time capsule stuck restoring iPhoto library from iCloud drive

I bought a new macbook pro. I used Airport Extreme Time Capsule to upload everything from old mac to new mac. Everything worked fine except on thing. My iPhoto library wouldn't transfer. It showed up in the new iCloud drive with a cloud and an arrow pointing down. I then tried to restore a previous version from time capsule (again it had been stored in iCloud drive), but it has been stuck on "copying "iPhoto library.photolibrary" to "cloud drive"" for many many hours. My iCloud drive has 190GB free and my iPhoto library is 20GB. Can anyone figure out what is wrong.

sanjaydeepika wrote:
I am restoring wirelessly again to note the error message, it still has 15 hours to go!
You don't remember what the message was? Not even roughly?
Hint: when you get an error message, take a screenshot of it so you'll know what it says.
My network is just a wireless ADSL Router connecting my Mac & TC. If I want to connect via ethernet cable, do I need to connect TC with Router?
Either connect both your Mac and the TC via Ethernet, or connect them directly.
because connecting Mac & TC did not work.
What do you mean? What happened? Error messages? If so, what?
Can I connect using the ethernet cable now while the restore is on to speed up the restore?
Yes. Once it's connected, and on, make sure Ethernet is above WIFI in System Preferences > Network. That will insure that OSX will use Ethernet when both are active.
If it isn't, click the "gear" icon at the bottom and select Set Service Order. On the next window, drag Ethernet to the top.

HT1229 How do I back up my entire iPhoto library to an additional hard drive. I have a WD 1TB hard drive which I would like to use as a backup drive to my MacBook Pro. What steps do I take to do this. Thank you

How do I back up myentire iPhoto library to an an additional hard drive, I have a WD My Book 1TB hooked up to my MacBook Pro via USB 2 port.

Make sure the drive is formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Most Simple Back Up:
Drag the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder to another Disk. This will make a copy on that disk.
Slightly more complex: Use an app that will do incremental back ups. This is a very good way to work. The first time you run the back up the app will make a complete copy of the Library. Thereafter it will update the back up with the changes you have made. That makes subsequent back ups much faster. Many of these apps also have scheduling capabilities: So set it up and it will do the back up automatically.
Example of such apps: Chronosync - but there are many others. Search on MacUpdate or the App Store

HT5260 Hi, my name is Gerard and my iphoto library is getting very large I would like to know if I can store all or most of my photos in a external hard drive and access them from Aperture?

Hi, my name is Gerard and my iphoto library is getting very large I would like to know if I can store all or most of my photos in a external hard drive and access them from Aperture?

Moving the iPhoto library is safe and simple - quit iPhoto and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive - depress the option key and launch iPhoto using the "select library" option to point to the new location on the external drive - fully test it and then trash the old library on the internal drive (test one more time prior to emptying the trash)
And be sure that the External drive is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) (iPhoto does not work with drives with other formats) and that it is always available prior to launching iPhoto
And backup soon and often - having your iPhoto library on an external drive is not a backup and if you are using Time Machine you need to check and be sure that TM is backing up your external drive
LN

Back up and Restore iTunes

Hi all. I am having problems with my windows PC, i am going to have to wipe the hard drive and reinstall windows.
What is the best way to back up and restore iTunes?
I want to keep all my playlists, music data, such as number of times player etc and which songs are ticked.
I also have a iphone and a ipad, is there anyway to transfer their data and backups?
I don't want the trouble of re-syncing the iphone and ipad apps/music etc.
My library is about 40gb. In the past I have simply copied and pasted the itunes folder (on a portable harddrive), but it never remembers the data listed above and I have always had to re-sync all of my music and apps to iphone and ipad, which are full up with 32gb and would take a considerable amount of time.
Is there any way to do this so my iPhone and iPad think itunes is exactly the same and won't require (wiping and) re-syncing/re-authorising and will carry on as normal.
I would be greatful for any help. Thank you.

Copying and later restoring the entire iTunes folder should have you covered. I suspect you did something wrong with the restore phase on your previous attempts.
All your media should be inside your iTunes\iTunes Media folder. If that is not the case then you should consolidate the library. File > Library > Organize Library > Consolidate files. If the option is available you should also use File > Library > Organize Library > Rearrange files in the folder "iTunes Media". If your media folder isn't a subfolder of the main iTunes library folder then see this post.
Backup the library with UserTip. Before you wipe the hard drive deauthorize the computer and make one final update of the backup.
Once you have rebuilt your computer install SyncToy and use the same process to clone the backup copy of your library back into the Music folder of your new profile as ...<User's Music>\iTunes. Then install iTunes and authorize the install of the operating system to your account. Your devices can now be connected and backed up on the new system. They will sync without losing any data.
Keep using SyncToy periodically to keep your backup up to date.
tt2

Restoring iPhoto library from time machine

How does one restore iPhoto library from time machine. When I attempt to do so time machine downloads 2/3 of the library and then says: operation cannot be completed because you do not have permission to access iPhoto library. Any advice? I am using so 10.8.2

Try the methods pondini gives here.
http://pondini.org/TM/15.html
Look at the specifics for iphoto..
It is not easy as the versions have changed.. if you are trying to restore a version older than the OS.. not sure what willl happen.
You might also need to do a full restore to an external drive and pluck the library out of there.

Backing up and restoring iPhoto Library

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