Can't copy iPhoto 09 library

I have my library on my iMac running Snow Leopard and iPhoto 09. I want to copy it to my MacBook Pro running the same. Whenever I try to copy it over, I get the following error after it copies a few MB worth:
The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written. (Error code -36)
I have found a similar problem online that someone was having, but it was error code -30, and they didn't have a fix.
Any ideas? Does this have to do with permissions?
And if there is a better way to do what I am trying to accomplish, PLEASE tell me. Ultimately, I want to keep the master library on my iMac, and be able to view it on my MBP. Prior to updating to Snow Leopard, I never had this problem of copying it over. It would take a while, but it worked. So if there is an efficient way to share, I'm listening! Thanks in advance!

I should clarify a bit more. I am trying to copy this over my network. So through Finder, from my iMac, I connect to my MBP. Then I drag the library over to the MBP. This is the way I have always done it with no problems. I have tried copying it directly to the MBP internal HD (over the network still) and I have also tried copying it to both external FW hard drives I have conencted to the MBP. So none of those options work. So I know the drives are fine, so no need for disk utility. But I have not tried copying it directly to an external hooked up to the iMac. I will try that tonight and see if that even works. Then I'd know if it's a library issue, or a network issue. Maybe some network settings got changed when I upgraded to Snow Leopard? Is that possible? Although, I know I can see the MBP from the iMac, and vice-versa.

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Can I copy iPhoto Library from G4 to G5 back to G4 back to G5, etc.?

Can a single iPhoto Library (~27gb) be copied back & forth between my PowerBook G4 & my iMac G5 (to & from the separate hard drive to which I copy the Library for backup) on a continuing basis?
My hope is that anytime my wife or I might do some editing, albums, books, adding photos, etc., on either of the computers, to that 'one & only' Library, we would then also copy it to the other computer – so at any given time both computers could have the same Library (obviously we would be careful to not both make changes on both computers at the same time, thus inadvertently stumbling into two versions of the Library).
I envision this, for now, as an alternative to possibly venturing into the creation of additional, different Libraries.
Will this work? Are there risks involved?

As Brooks said, you should be able to. I would be careful to reset the permissions on the folder and it's contents after each move so as to make sure you have the proper access for viewing and editing. You can do it manually as follows:
Setting Permissions for iPhoto Library Folder
1 - Select the iPhoto Library folder and type Command-I.
2 - When the Info window comes up go to the Ownership and Permissions section and make sure You have Read & Write permission and that the Owner and Group have Read & Write also. Others - Read Only.
3 - Then click on the "Apply to enclosed items..." button.

Can't copy Iphoto library from external drive to hard drive

I have a 210 gig iphoto library that I am trying to copy from an external hard drive with 440 gig of avaliable space. I am getting a message say it can't copy because there is not enough space. The math doesn't add up

Try the following:
1 - run Disk Utility and repair disk permissions.
2 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
3 - Run Option #4, Rebuild Database, followed by Option #1.
4 - try dragging the library to your internal drive again.
OT

Can't copy iPhoto Library file

I am trying to copy my iPhoto library from one mac to another. I have them connected with an Ethernet cable. The library is about 90 GB. When I drag the library file over it appears to copy about 1/5 of the file (judging by the blue line) and then it stops and says something like, "the iPhoto Library file already exists."
Anyone have any ideas? I certainly checked the target drive/folder and don't see any previously existing library file sitting there.
Thanks in advance!

There must be something more to this problem. I don't think that it is iPhoto library specific b/c I have the same sorts of error when copying other folders of data between the two computers. Strangely enough, when I initiate the copy command from the other computer (the one that has the files I want to copy), it works without a hitch. I guess I'll just do it that way.
Thanks.

Trying to copy iPhoto Library to external hard drive for backup. Error message: The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written (Error code -36).

Trying to copy iPhoto Library to external hard drive for backup. Error message: The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" can't be read or written (Error code -36).

That code is
-36
ioErr
I/O error (bummers)
Make sure the EHD is formatted OS X Extended (journaled) and run Disk Utilty on the EHD and repair the disk. If that fails to help I'd try the following:
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
Click on the Add Library button,
navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the Library ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
In the next window name the new library and select the external HD as the location of the newly rebild library.
Click on the Create button.
Note 1: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost.
Note 2: Your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.
OT

Can't load iphoto library copied from old computer

I copied the photo library from my old laptop onto my new imac. The pictures are all there (LOTS) and all album data, etc. I tried launching iphoto while holding the option key. I select the iphoto library but none of the new photos come up. Did I miss step?

I still can only view the previous pictures (one roll) that was downloaded onto iphoto even though all of my pictures (3K+) from my other computer are in the iphoto library.
Do you have two iPhoto Library Folders? Or is these pics visible in one library, but the others are not?
IF the latter, it sounds like a corrupted database. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library Folder allowing it to overwrite the damaged file. If not, then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same film rolls and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, books, calendars etc.
Move the iPhoto Library Folder to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library Folder on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual rolls to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library Folder on your desktop.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

I am trying to copy iphoto library Error Code 36

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

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.

I can get my iphoto library to load on new macbook air

Hi,
I have a new macbook air, I was previously on a macbook pro.
I have tried to copy my Iphoto library from one to the other and I cant get it to load.
Also when I plug my iphone into the new mac air, i just get the spinning wheel.
Please can someone help?
Im not that technical, so I need an idiots guide!
Thanks
G

I have tried to copy my Iphoto library from one to the other and I cant get it to load.
What happens when you try to open iPhoto on your MacBook Air on the copied iPhoto Library? Do you get an error message? What exactly happens?

Can't Open iPhoto Library

My iPhoto library is on a FW drive (too big for laptop drive). I've been able to open it before and have used it many times, but now I can't access it. Sometimes I've opened iPhoto without the FW drive attached, so created a library on my local drive, but when I opened iPhoto holding down the Option key, I was able to choose my normal library.
Not any more.
I can open the "iPhoto Library" package in Finder and see all of the photos, but when I try to point iPhoto to it, it won't open. It won't accept it as input in the dialogue box. I hit the "Open" button, but it doesn't do anything.
How can I get iPhoto to open this library? I'm using iPhoto 7.1.1 on Leopard 10.5.1.

R_ H
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
I'm afraid it sounds like the library file has been damaged.
Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums back.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Events and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Move the iPhoto Library to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Event Folders to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library on your desktop.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

Can't open iPhoto library after upgrade

I upgraded iphoto after install OSX Mavericks recently but I can't open iphoto library with the newer version.
(It says "Your photo library will not be readable by previous versions of iPhoto after the upgrade. The upgrade process for very large libraries may take an hour or more to complete.") So I want to know if I select to upgrade, my photos will be lost or not. Do I need to back up before?

Of course you need to back up first. You should always have a back up before you upgrade or update anything.
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
Then click upgrade.

Problems with copying iPhoto library onto new hard drive from external HELP

I had to get a new hard drive installed onto my MacBook Pro, but was able to copy my iPhoto library onto my external hard drive via another computer before the old hard drive failed. Now, I am trying to copy that library back onto my MacBook.
After I copied the library onto the MacBook, when iPhoto was opened, it showed no photos but I could see album titles. Then when I opened iPhoto while holding down the option key, it was all clumped into one event and not nearly all of the photos were there. Also, I have right-clicked on the library to see package contents and everything seems to be there, but I don't know how to make it all show up in the library.
I've downloaded iPhoto Library Manager because I thought that might help (but haven't used it yet -- don't know how) and I just need some help to recover my iPhoto library... and is there a way to restore all the separate events imported and time/date stamps, in order to get all the photos in chronological order?

Should I just go through the iPhoto Library package contents and drag every folder into iPhoto?
No. That will get you massive duplication.
Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new *iPhoto 08* library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Events and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Move the iPhoto Library to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Event Folders to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library on your desktop.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

I can't copy iPhoto to my external hard drive. It will not allow me to drag and drop or copy and paste., I can't copy iPhoto to my external hard drive. It will not allow me to drag and drop or copy and paste.

I can't copy iPhoto to my external hard drive. It will not allow me to drag and drop or copy and paste., I can't copy iPhoto to my external hard drive. It will not allow me to drag and drop or copy and paste.

NTFS is your problem.
iPhoto needs to have the Library sitting on disk formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Users with the Library sitting on disks otherwise formatted regularly report issues including, but not limited to, importing, exporting, saving edits and sharing the photos.
See this article
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS5168
for more. Note also the comment:
“Additionally, storing the iPhoto library on a network rather than locally on your computer can also lead to poor performance or data loss.”

Can't Open iPhoto Library on External Hard Drive

Hi, please help!
I currently have 2 iPhoto libraries. 1 is on my external hard drive- and isn't recognized by iPhoto anymore. And the other is a newer one, on my internal hard drive.
Here's what I did:
I copied my entire iPhoto library to my external hard drive (it is a Seagate, Mac OS extended drive) a few months ago, and I went ahead and deleted my iPhoto library on my internal hard drive. Then I started importing new photos from my camera, and a new iphoto library was created automatically on my internal hard drive.
I tried to access photos from my old library yesterday by plugging my external hard drive in, and by hitting the "option" key when opening iphoto. Unfortunately, when I search for the library on my external HD, the only items that appear are music. None of my loose photos or my iphoto library are recognized by iPhoto.
Anyone have a fix for this? iPhoto doesn't recognize that any jpgs/photos are on my hard drive, but when I go through finder- I can see my library, as well as many other jpgs stored on my hard drive.

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
Sounds like iPhoto is not seeing a valid database there.
Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new *iPhoto 08* library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Events and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Move the iPhoto Library to the desktop
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Event Folders to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library on your desktop.
In the future, in addition to your usual back up routine, you might like to make a copy of the library6.iPhoto file whenever you have made changes to the library as protection against database corruption.
Regards
TD

Can't read iPhoto library from external drive

I suddenly can't can't read iPhoto library from external drive. I have talked to WD and nohing is wrong with the network drive. I can open images and files from it. But, I can't read in iPhoto Library.

Network Drive? a NAS?
iPhoto needs to have the Library sitting on disk formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Users with the Library sitting on disks otherwise formatted regularly report issues including, but not limited to, importing, exporting, saving edits and sharing the photos.
Basically, you need to move the library to a correctly formatted disk.

Hard drive packed up, but had Time Machine backup. I installed new sad and upgraded to Mountain Lion., but I can't find iPhoto library and photos or iTunes songs? Is there an answer to this? Graham

Hard drive packed up, but had Time Machine backup. I installed new ssd and upgraded to Mountain Lion, but I can't find iPhoto library and photos or iTunes songs? Is there an answer to this? A backup run did not install either photos or songs. Graham

Thanks so much but none of that helped. It was driving me crazy because it would back up another external drive. I just changed the name of the drive from iPhoto/iTunes Library to Media Libraries and IT WORKED!! I guess for some reason it didn't like the drive being called iPhoto or iTunes ???? I don't understand but I have tried so many solutions and exchanging things out but the name change did it????!!!
Thank you for your help and replying to this. Guess I made my own issue!

I have iphoto 7, deleted my photos now having problems getting them from iomega (even though I can see the iphoto library there)

I have iphoto 7, deleted my photos (now iphoto has grey boxes where images were). I've backed up on Iomega, and I can see the iphoto library there. But how do I get it back on iphoto? I dragged it into my hard drive, but iphoto still shows grey boxes.
Thanks in advance from this novice!

There is no iPhoto 7
there are iPhoto 6 (version 6.x.x), iPhoto '08 (version 7.x.x), iPhoto '09 (version 8.x.x) and iPhoto '11 (version 9.x.x)
Do you have iPhoto '08 - which version?
Do the gray boxes had large "!" in them?
How and why did you delete your photos?
How did you backup to the Iomega drive - Time machine - drag the iPhoto library - other backup program?
No mind readers here - we are users just like yourself and can only work with the information you provide
LN

Can't copy iPhoto 09 library

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