Cannot rebuild iPhoto library

Question

My iPhoto database is damage (inconsistent). When I try to open iPhoto I just get told to select a library. When I click on the open button nothing happens.
The common advice is to: "hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto." I keep pressing the keys for a long time when I launch iPhoto. I should see the dialog box for i.e. repair the database. Nothing happens.
The database itself is about 200 Gb big. The pictures are definitely there.
How can I repair/rebuild the library/database?

Answer 1

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, saving edits and sharing the photos. What format is that Raid?
If the Library is showing as 60+ gigs then there is every possibility that the photos are still intact.
If the other rebulds haven't worked then what I would do is as follows:
Restore the back up from end 2011. At least all that will be intact.
Spend some time thinking about the fact that you always need an up-to-date back up.
Then recover the 2012 files from the damaged Library, and import them to the recovered Library. You will lose any editing that you have done, or keywording etc., but at least you'll have the shots.
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Go into the damaged iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Event Folders  from 2012 to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.