Can't See My Pictures--Just Empty Boxes

Question

I just did a download of new pics from my camera to iPhoto. Somehow during the download I can't see my pictures in my library or in my albums. Just empty boxes show up. The count of the number of pics is accurate for both the albums and the library.
I restarted my computer, and rebooted with no luck.
I did a reboot holding down the "apple" and the "alt" key, and followed instructions, and still no pictures.
Any ideas of what I can do?
Danny
[email protected]

Answer 1

Danny:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. What do you see in the library, empty thumbnail spaces or empty edit windows? Is it all the photos or just some? Check in the Originals folder to make sure you have the full sized image files in the subfolders. They should all be there. Also do you have folder in the iPhoto Library folder titled "Recent Imports" or something like that?
Do you have a backup copy of the iPhoto Library folder or the iPhoto library database file, Library6.iPhoto?
If not and since you've tried rebuilding the library with no success you're going to have to start with a new library and import the image files from the Originals folder of the current 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 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 Originals folder from the desktop and the iPhoto Llibrary folder. 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.
If you have a recent backup copy of the library post back and we can go from there.
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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.