Can I reimport originals after data files are deleted?

Question

While selecting photos to burn to a cd I copied folders from the 'Data' folder in iPhoto library. I then moved several individual files, which I did not require for the burn, from the cd to trash - before I had burned. I did not realise that this would delete the data files from the iPhoto library itself. I emptied trash before checking back with iPhoto and now, of course, those images disappear from my library whenever I open iPhoto. However, I still have the photos saved in two locations as 'Originals', but when I try to import them back into iPhoto a message appears to tell me they are unreadable. The 'Originals' files are not corrupted, but how do I reimport them into iPhoto so that they reappear in my Library Data folder in their old locations?

Answer 1

Welcome to the Apple Discussions. You do know that the Data folder only contains thumbnail sized files that iPhoto uses within the library, right?
If you can see the blank thumbnail boxes in the library and can click on them to bring up the full sized image you have a good chance at recovering the library by rebuilding as follows: launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select the first three options.
If that doesn't resurrect the library then you'll have to start with a new library and import the Originals folder from the old library. Here's how:
Creating a new library while preserving the rolls from the original.
Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
Drag the Originals folder from the iPhoto Library on the desktop into the open iPhoto window.
This will create a new library with the same rolls as the original library. However dates on the rolls may be different but can be edited as you would the roll title.
Once this is completed you can delete the iPhoto library folder from the desktop. If desired, you can keep the older library folder to try other fixes on it.
In the future I recommend you make a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto file after each import and after doing a lot of editing and organizing in the library. Then if you experience a similar crash all you need to do is replace the damaged database file with the backup copy and you'll be back to the same place in the library as when you make the backup. See the tip at the end of my signature.
In the future, Don't mess with files in the iPhoto Library folder from the Finder. See TD's treatis on file access for how to access photos for use outside of iPhoto.
Do you Twango?
TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've written an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.