Can't open or rebuild my iPhoto Library

I was importing a couple of photos from my iPhone into my iPhoto Library when iPhoto crashed. Earlier in the session I downloaded around 6GB of photos and videos into the library and that worked fine. I was only adding four more pictures when this happened.
I have a 900GB library that is stored on a dedicated external 1TB hard drive. I access this library from a MacMini (which the drive is attached to) and from my MacBook Air. Both machines use OSX 10.9.2 and iPhoto 9.5.1 and I set up the external drive to "ignore ownership on this volume".
When I went back into iPhoto, it shows the "Which iPhoto library do you want to iPhoto to use?" window but not my library. When I click on Other Library, I can locate the library, but when I click "Open", nothing happens.
When I tried holding down option and command and clicking iPhoto, it still doesn't find the libary to rebuild.
So I used my iPhoto Library Manager, and the libary is there, but it shows (0) for the photo counts in all the albums, etc. When I try to rebuild, the preview comes up empty. When I click on "scavenge", I get over 10,000 photos appearing in the "Scavenged Library", but I don't know if they are all of the photos. Plus I lose all my events, tags, etc. that organized the library.
Is there any way to get my iPhoto Library back other than through the "scavenge" function and losing all the organization?
Do you know why this happened so that I can avoid having this happen again?

Here's what do to:
Starting over from scratch with new library
Start over with a new library and import the Originals (iPhoto 09 and earlier) or the Masters (iPhoto 11) folder from your original library as follows:
1. Open the library package like this.
2. Launch iPhoto with the Option key held down and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
3. Drag the subfolders from the Originals (iPhoto 09 and earlier) or the Masters (iPhoto 11) folder from the open iPhoto Library package into the open iPhoto window a few at a time.
This will create a new library with the same Events (but not necessarily the same Event names) as the original library but will not keep the metadata, albums, books slideshows and other projects.
Note: your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.
OT

Similar Messages

I can not open my Aperture or Iphoto library

Hello everyone,
I have the application Aperture where I edit pictures and can not seem to open it today when I try the message "To open this iPhoto library in Aperture, it first needs to be upgraded.Verify that you have iPhoto 9.4 or later. Then open the library in iPhoto to upgrade it." I upgraded Iphoto and then tryed to open Aperture while Iphoto was closed and I got the same message. Then I tried to open the Iphoto library and now the message "Your photo library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable.Shut down and restart your computer, and then open iPhoto again. If the problem persists, try rebuilding your photo library. To do this, quit iPhoto, and then reopen it while keeping the Option and Command keys pressed. You can also try restoring your photo library from a backup. Aperture was not open at the time so I shut down then restarted my computer. The same Message Appered. Then I tried to rebuild the library by holding down the option and command key I tried all of the rebuilding options and when I went to rebuild it the same message opened in iphoto. Help me! I am a photographer with a website and need to get this up and running fast. I wanted to cunsult with Apple Support Communities before I make the trip out to the apple store.

Also when I went to finder to see it the library existed its now labled Iphoto library copy. I have a time capsule and restored it back by a day and it didn't work I still got the same message in aperture and Iphoto.

I can't open my backed-up Iphoto Library on my new Mac with upgraded iLife. How can I retrieve all my pics??

Having backed-up my old iMac using time machine, thinking to open up my iPhoto Library to retrieve all pics from Time Machine, but iPhoto doesn't let me open it. First a pop-up appears: "The photo library needs to be upgraded to work with this version of iPhoto. 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." When I click Upgrade another pop-up appears "You can’t open your current photo library using this version of iPhoto. You have made changes to your photo library using a newer version of iPhoto. Please quit and use the latest version of iPhoto." But I am using the latest version iLife 11. Is there a way to open up the library in a different way, so I can get my pics back???

It sounds like the restored database is damaged.
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.

My photolibrary can not be open with iphoto or rebuild in iphoto library manager?

I can not open my Photolibrary in iphoto, the whole database seem to be one XML file, I whent to apple support and purchase iphoto librabry manager and here I can see an index of my photo librabry with event and album index and number of photos. However when I use the rebuild function I get the following error and the rebuild library is empty.
"An error occurred trying to open the database at /Users/Desktop/iPhoto Library old/Database/Library.apdb (14)"
I have also tried to import or drag the library into iphoto but this doesn't work either.
Please help I have no back up on the last photo

Do you have a backup of the library with all the photos except for the last import? If so bring it into the Pictures folder (rename the existing Library so it doesn't get overwritten) and open with iPhoto. Make sure it's working correctly and has all of the photos except for that last import/event.
Once you have the backup library up and running move the old library to the Desktop and open it with the Finder:
Click to view full size
Locate the Originals folder (iPhoto 09 and earlier) or the Masters folder (iPhoto 11) and move it to the Desktop. Then look inside and try to find the sub folder for the last imported set of photos. When you find it drag it into the open iPhoto application window to import them into the library.
OT

How can I rebuild my iphoto library from backup

Can I rebuild my iphoto library from the Time Machine backup?
Somehow the iPHoto libary structure(?), if that's the word, has gotten corrupted.
There phtos are still these, in their year/month/day folders, but though iPhoto
opens it does not show Events, Slideshow, etc.
I found a Support page that tell you how to re-build the library, but
it didn't work.
It just occurred to me that the Time Machine back up should contain the 'library'.
Is so, how do I access it and will it open the iPhoto library intact with Events, Slideshows,
etc.?
Thanks,
Hal

You don't rebuild a library from a backup, you replace the library with the backup:
If you'll describe what happend when you tried rebuilding the library with iPhoto maybe we can offer another possible fix like try using iPLM as Larry suggested.
OT

Trying to rebuild my iphoto library from time machine backup and it still says 0 restored with a grey screen and the circle. How can i restore my library?

I just bought a new Macbook pro and i tried to rebuild my iphoto library from a time machine backup on an external hard drive. Even after pressing command+option when starting iphoto and selecting rebuild library from automatic backup, it still doesn't work with the grey screen with the white circle and a little window that says 'rebuilding library: 0 versions restored'. I also tried to make a copy of my iphoto library but that did not work either. how can i restore my iphoto library or at least gain access to my photos?

Your question is not clear
Rerairing or rebuilding the iPhoto library never involves using Time Machine in any way
TM is a totally seperate program and you can "restore" a file (including the iPhoto library) from the past using TM - you launch TM and go back to the time you want and select the file (or folder or package) you want and click restore - it probably is best to keep the current one until you are sure everything is good
LN

I am trying to rebuild my iPhoto library and noticed my backup contains aliases (pointers?) and not the actual file. What's the best way to rebuild my library?

I am trying to rebuild my iPhoto library and noticed my backup contains aliases (pointers?) and not the actual file. What's the best way to rebuild my library?
Facts:
In moving to a new iMac, I copied the iPhoto library to an external HDD assuming that I would point the new iMac to the backed up iPhoto Library
All worked fine when I pointed the new library but noticed that some folders contained aliases and not the original file. So when I attempt to open that photo it can't find it because the alias is pointing to another drive.
I do have all original photos from a couple of external HDDs. In the folders titled, "Originals" (from older versions of iPhoto) and "Masters" (from current iPhoto)
I'm thinking I can create a new folder and drop the original files and make that my new iPhoto library. Is there a better way to rebuild my library? I do not want to create any future aliases.
Thanks in advance for any help!

do you have a strongly recommended default "managed" library (the iPhoto preference to "copy imported items to the iPhoto library is in its checked state) or a referenced library - you have unchecked that option?
It sounds like you have a referenced library and are now experiancing one of the very siginificant drawbacks of a referenced library and one of the many reasons they are strongly not recommended
Also note that iPhoto '11 may use alises in the originals folder as part of the upgrade
It is important that we understand exactly what you have and what is not sorking - what error messages you are getting
You must NEVER make any changes of any sort to the structure of content of the iPhoto library - there are no user servicable parts in it -- and you can not rebuild yoru librtary - only iPhoto ir iPhoto Library Manager - http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/ - can rebuild a library unless you are a SQL programmer and understand the structure that iPhoto uses
LN

Can not open Events photos in iPhoto 9.5.1

can not open Events photos in iPhoto 9.5.1

We need detaoils
What does show for the ones that do not have the picture?
Is is an ! - if do
This indicates a disconnect between the Thumbnail and the original
this can be caused by two things
1 - User action deleting items from inside the iPhoto library - can be directly - can be from the All images list (never delete from there) - can be from running cleanup software like MacKeeer, CleanMac2 or other dangerous, defective software that improperly deletes or changes things in the iPhoto library - if you have done any of these things you must restore your backup from before you did them and damaged your iPhoto library - and I recommend getting rid of any "clean up software" ASAP (although being essentially MalWear it is not easy)
2 - corruption of the iPhoto library - If it is not #1 then Back up your iPhoto library, Depress and hold the option (alt) and command keys and launch iPhoto - repair permissions and then rebuild your database
LN

Trouble with rebuilding the iPhoto library

Hi, I'd need help for a problem I have found on my dad's Imac. It's a late 2009, 21.5" with Core 2 Duo and 8 GB ram running Snow Leopard and the preinstalled iPhoto (I'm not sure about the version)
He told me about some issues with photos in his library, so I thought that maybe rebuilding the iPhoto library would fix them. Unfortunately I can't access the "rebuild" dialog and holding down Command and Option keys when opening iPhoto does nothing.
I've been trying with the iPhoto icon in Applications folder, not through the dock, keeping them pressed before doubleclicking, pressing them at the same time, pressing also shift or control or both... I've tried all combinations without any luck, as iPhoto starts normally without showing the dialog.
What could be the problem? Any solution?
Thanks!

Yep! I know it doens't make any sense... I've tried repairing permissions and checking the file system, I've also deleted the content of "caches" folder but without any luck.
I've moved the library to the desktop and started iPhoto, created a new library and then tried with that one. It doesn't work.

Should I rebuild the iPhoto library or restore from backup?

When I start iPhoto I get this message:
"Your iPhoto library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable"
Shut down and restart your computer, and then open iPhoto again. If the problem persists, try rebuilding your iPhoto library. To do this, quit iPhoto, and then reopen it while keeping the Option and Command keys pressed. You can also try restoring your photo library from a backup.
What do I do? Which is best?
Robert

If the restart did not solve it, rebuild the library, but make a backup (don't overwrite any backup, that you have).
See Terence Devlin's post on how to rebuild here:
Your photo library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable https://discussions.apple.com/message/16810380#16810380

How Can I Display the Name of iPhoto Library?

I manage a huge number of images so I keeep them in their own iPhoto libraries. In order to change libraries, I have to rename the one I have just left and then restart iPhoto. I have looked for years but cannot find a way for iPhoto to display the name of the library it has open. I could remember the names of all my libraries if I was not forced to change them in order to leave them and go to another. Does iPhoto tell you the name of the library you have open?
Thanks
20"iMAc G5 Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Hi John,
iPhoto 6 now shows the name of the library in the title bar of the iPhoto window. At least it did the other day for me.
You can have a unique name for each of your libraries and use the Option key to launch iPhoto and choose to open another library, then navigate to the library, highlight it and click open.
You can also use one of the iPhoto Library managers to switch between libraries.
iPhoto Library Manager
iPhoto Library Manager documentation
this page will show you everything you can do with iPhoto Library Manager.
You can also try iPhoto Buddy

Can 2 Macs sync photos in iPhoto Library?

Hi everyone,
I have 2 Macs (iMac and MacBook both got 10.5.6 and iPhoto 09)
and I'm just wondering if I can sync photos in iPhotos on both Macs.
What I want to do is I just transfer photos from my camera to only one Mac
and then somehow 2 Macs have same photos.
Normally 2 Macs are connected wirelessly night time,
so somehow they can sync iPhoto Library automatically.
Like syncing contacts between iPhone and Mac...
Is there any way? or I'm just lazy...
Thank you,
Hiro

Since I recently purchased an iMac to go along with my MacBook Pro, I am now having this same dilemma. So far, the options seem to be cloud based syncs, local syncs, and local sharing.
Right away, local sharing is out for me since I want both computer to effectively be duplicates of one-another. In other words, I want my transition from working on one computer to the next to be nearly transparent.
For local sync, I am trying out ChronoSync as I have constantly heard it recommended, but there seems to be a major issue. When you open and close an iPhoto library, regardless of whether you change any content, it changes the modification date. Thus, if I were to load new pics on my MacBook, then open my iMac iPhoto and realize they weren't there, then sync (assuming a bi-directional sync setup), I would actually overwrite the MacBook because the package file on the iMac shows as newer. Bam, data lost. These package files Apple loves to use sure look elegant, but are causing problems all over the syncing world. Luckily, if you have Time Machine running, you can at least experiment with all of this with a relative degree of safety. The other nit-picky downside to local sync is that you have to establish a connection between the two computers to sync, meaning they both need to be on, and at least one needs file sharing active, which is a security concern.
The next option seems to be cloud-based sync. Dropbox is popular, but 2GB doesn't come close to my needs and when you start to get into the pay-for service, the capabilities look less impressive. Currently I am trying SugarSync. SugarSync looks like the end-all, be-all of sync/back-up, until you read the known issues. Again, the package files used for things like iPhoto (and other great apps like LicenseKeeper, 1Password, etc) are not supported. I am guessing it is for similar reasons--i.e. no ability to resolve which package is really the newest, regardless of the modification date. As a side-note, I find it a bit irritating that these companies advertise as if all these capabilities work, and worse, charge for a service that is incomplete. What Mac user doesn't want to at least sync iTunes and iPhoto? That's why we buy these softwares, after all. Anyway, I digress.
There is always iDisk too, if you are willing to pay for MobileMe. Thus far I am not really impressed with the performance of iDisk and everything I read suggests that iDisk's performance really takes a dive when working with--you guessed it--package files. Apple's left hand is clearly not talking to their right.
Notably, when setting up my new iMac, I was able to just copy over the whole iTunes and iPhoto library and they work just fine on the new mac. Thus, I think local sync at least has more promise right now (since most cloud-based syncs are based on incremental change for bandwidth purposes).
This all begs the question--with Time Machine's phenomenal success, why not expand that service into a backup/sync capable program. It makes total sense--time machine backs up every few minutes and is accessible via things like AirPort Extreme, or a host of the newer NASs that support TimeMachine. Moreover, TimeMachine supports all of Apples file conventions and is a language any Mac with Leopard forward understands. In other words, it would be great to have a single TimeMachine that worked for both my computers, keeping each one backed up and in sync, without the need to have two instantiations of TimeMachine. I realize this is not perfect, as many people keep different software setups or amounts of data on different computers, but nonetheless, I think that would be a killer upgrade that would move even more people into the Mac arena, or move more people with one Mac to invest in two. But, that's just my 2¢.

I have iphoto 6 and my pictures are no longer showing. I have tried importing them but it just give me an error msg. (file format not recognized) I have tried rebuilding the iphoto library but that doesn't work either. Any suggestions?

I have iphoto 6 and my pictures are no longer showing. I have tried importing them but it just give me an error msg. (file format not recognized) I have tried rebuilding the iphoto library but that doesn't work either. Any suggestions?

How did you rebuild?
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 allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. Download <a href="http://www.fatcatsoftware.com/iplm/"><b><u>iPhoto Library Manager</b></u></a> 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 6* library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Rolls and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
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 on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Roll 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.

When you rebuild your iPhoto library does it erase all your photos

When you rebuild your iPhoto library does it erase your photos and my iPhoto keeps crashing i was wondering if there was a fix for this?

When you rebuild your library to be able to use the new version of iPhoto if that is what you are talking about, it will simply rebuild it so that the new version can access the photos that you already have on your computer. This will not affect the files in a way to delete them. It simply just makes it so that the new version can be compatible and use the photos that you have on your computer.

How do i keep the original manual sort of my photos that i had in previous library after a rebuild in iphoto library manager?

how do i keep the original manual sort of my photos that i had in previous library after a rebuild in iphoto library manager? and keep the events in the same order with blank events also

Not sure you can.
Library Manager creates an entirely new library. It will then copy (or try to) your photos and all the associated metadata and versions to this new Library, and arrange it as close as it can to what you had in the damaged Library. It does this based on information it finds in the iPhoto sharing mechanism - but that means that things not shared won't be there, so no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your events, albums and keywords, faces and places back.

Can't open or rebuild my iPhoto Library

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for