Cannot restore iPhoto library

My MacBook hard drive crashed and had to be replaced. I am now running iPhoto 11 (9.3.2) which is a more recent version than my old iPhoto library (but i am not sure what version it was). I am now trying to restore some old photos from an external backup drive. I thought that i had just copied a version of the iPhoto library to the Backup drive in the past, however, the backup drive has multiple files/folders on it (iPhoto Library folder with many sub-folders - attachments, caches, content, data.noindex, database, library.iphoto, library6.iphoto, masters, metadata backup, modified, originals, previews, etc), instead of a single iPhoto library. When I try to open iPhoto and connect it to the external drive, I receive the following messages:
"The photo library needs to be upgraded to work with this version of iPhoto."
I click Upgrade
"iPhoto is unable to open this Library. You have opened this photo library with a newer version of iPhoto. Please quit and use the latest version of iPhoto."
Is there another way for me to recover my old iPhoto library? I am concerned if i just reimport the pictures, I will lose all of the metadata (Faces, Events, Places, etc).

Jen,
Try the following (which Kmoi also suggested):
In finder, navigate to your iphoto library (via users, then selecting your username, then Pictures). Right-click (hold down control and click) the iPhoto Library. Select "Show Package Contents." The folder entitled "originals" should contain the photo files you had in your old iPhoto library. I copied this entire folder (make sure you select it and go to Edit<Copy instead of dragging it) into your Google Drive folder. I tried dragging the first time and it moved, not copied it. I then pasted into the Google Drive folder. This way I had a backup not of the iPhoto library (which is finicky in it's version compatibility, etc) but of the actual photos contained, and I wouldn't even need iPhoto to open them in an emergency. Them I dragged the photos by event folder into iPhoto once it was open, to import them and add them to the existing iPhoto library.
I came to all of this because when I tried to replace one library with another, even though they were from the same version of iPhoto, it said it wouldn't work. Problem solved, and I also have a more iron-clad backup of the photos now as well.
Good luck.

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Cannot restore iPhoto Library. PLEASE HELP. Is it lost?

About two weeks ago, I opened iPhoto and my photos were missing. It said I had permission errors or something so I closed it and ran the alt-option restart iPhoto options in order. I waited for each of the four fixes to do their work. None of them fixed my iPhotos. I have my computer attached to an external hard drive with Time Machine running on it. I went to the iPhoto Library from a month ago (I know it was working then because I was using iPhoto before Christmas), and clicked restore on the iPhoto Library. It started restoring it to the current folder. At about 145gb of 188gb it stops and says: Cannot copy Error.
(I am retrying right now to see what the exact wording is)

This
http://pondini.org/TM/E9.html
as some tips and tricks that might help.

Cannot restore iPhoto Library from Backup Files

Help! All of my photos in the iPhoto library are suddenly gone. I read through a number of threads addressing similar problems and have tried the following fixes to no success:
1. I dragged the Photo Library to my desktop and opened iPhoto while holding down the Option key. When I tried to import my library into iPhoto it says that most of my files are unreadable. The photo files seem to be all there on my hard disk, but they are saved as "data" files and not as jpgs or other photo files. Now--some of the photos did import, but only about 30% of the previous library.
2. I restarted and then opened disk utility to repair my permissions, but Disk Utility was unable to complete the operation and I received an error message stating that Disk Utility lost contact with the Disk Management Tool. ??
I downloaded Backup to my computer a couple weeks ago, and after I began using this program, this is when all of my photos disappeared from my iPhoto library.
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I'm using iPhoto 4.0.3

Move the iPhoto Library folder back into the Pictures folder. Find the "com.apple.iPhoto.plist" file in your user account's "Library >Preferences" folder and move that file to the trash. Then start iPhoto while holding the option+shift keys. Confirm that you want to rebuild the photo database, then click "Save" in the next dialog. See if that brings your photos back.

Cannot restore iphoto library correctly from time machine backup

Hi all,
Yesterday I had to reinstall my mac with no particular reason. Suddenly the startup screen with the "circle" went on indefinitely for 10+ minutes before shutting down the system. Yes, the power cord was plugged in. No, I didn't manage to start it in safe mode...
I thought it wouldn't be a big deal since I regularly back up my mac on an external drive by Time Machine. So I reinstalled and restored the system.
I could log in fine, but here's the catch:
1) only 3 iPhoto events out of 30 are restored
2) for all other events I seem to have the thumbnails but not the original or modified files
3) trying to browse into the Pictures folder shows that:
- the iPhoto library file does not appear with the usual icon
- if I examine the package, for all events that don't show up in iPhoto, the event hierarchy (e.g. 2008/eventxyz) exists but the folders are empty in both the "Original" and "Modified" hierarchies
- same if I click on the same file in ANY of the 4 backups I have on the time machine disk
By the way TM restored the system to MacOSX 10.5.2 even if I'm sure I had a later version. In fact, I can't open iTunes either because it says the library has been created with a later version of iTunes. But what really worries me is that I can't even find the .JPG original files.
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Thank you

I have the same symptom, but as the result of an external hard drive failure. My Time Machine backups from June 2009 - August 2009 contain the iPhoto library. When I restore the iPhoto library (pick any random backup date) I can see the thumbnails or a blank dashed outline of the old photos. When I click on the thumbnail I can get the metadata (photo location, photo date, etc...) but the photos are gone. When I am in iPhoto the lower left corner of the interface shows the library size is 42Gb, but the restored library package is only about 3Gb. My guess is the difference in file size is equal to the size of the original (and modified) files that didnt get backed up. None of my iPhoto library packages in Time Machine are larger than 3Gb.
I brought my backup drive to the folks at the Genius Bar. They were perplexed. They suggested I bring in my Mac Mini so they could look at the console. I took a look at the console at home and searched for "Time Machine" and found nothing out of the ordinary.
Not sure why Time Machine would appear to run so smoothly yet selectively not back up my original photos. I can restore everything else from my Time Machine backup to my new external drive just fine.

Cannot restore iPhoto Library from Time Machine after clean install

I was experiencing various problems with my MBP and wiped the hard drive after meticulously backing up everything with Time Machine, or manually. I reinstalled everything. I was relying on Time Machine to restore my photos and events in iPhoto. When I select "Browse Backups" in iPhoto, I can see all of my backups, but can select none of them. Any ideas to save a decade worth of photos?

Hi a:
Welcome to Apple discussions.
I am preaching, but +"wiping/erasing a HD"+ should be reserved for true disasters. That is a Windows process.
Now, trying to help (I treasure my own photos - a lot), go to your home folder (~pictures). If something called iPhoto library is there, highlight it, open Time Machine, and then restore it.
If that does not fix the problem, try posting in the iPhoto forum. There are some real experts with iPhoto problems that may be able to help.
Barry

Cannot Restore IPhoto Library from Time Machine

I was an idiot enough to delete IPhoto Library from Previous System, and now i need to restore it.
I tried to restore it from Time Machine (4.05 GB), but i get 0k restored.
What do I need to do?

How are you trying to restore it?
The correct procedure is to click on the Time Machine app in your dock, and navigate back to a point where you know you have a good library then click on Restore.
Regards
TD

Restoring iPhoto library from time machine

How does one restore iPhoto library from time machine. When I attempt to do so time machine downloads 2/3 of the library and then says: operation cannot be completed because you do not have permission to access iPhoto library. Any advice? I am using so 10.8.2

Try the methods pondini gives here.
http://pondini.org/TM/15.html
Look at the specifics for iphoto..
It is not easy as the versions have changed.. if you are trying to restore a version older than the OS.. not sure what willl happen.
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How to attach photo (from Iphoto) to i.e. email or facebook?? cannot access Iphoto library...

How to attach photo (from Iphoto) to i.e. email or facebook?? cannot access Iphoto library...

Hi...
Open Mac Mail. From the menu bar top of your screen click Mail > Preferences then select the General tab.
Select which email address you want to use to share photos on Facebook or email from the pop up menu next to: Default email reader:
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edited by: cs

Restoring iPhoto Library from a backup

Hi, I recently bought the backup program "Backblaze" just in time! I few days ago I accidentally lost my entire iPhoto library. Luckily after a 12.4 GB download (which took about a day and a half - man backblaze is awesome!) I had my library back. There is one difference. Instead of a package with a cute icon called "iPhoto Library" the restored version has the same file structure except that the package is now just a folder named "iPhoto Library." This means that I can't simply drag it into the photos folder.
My question. Can I drag the contents of the restored "iPhoto Library" folder into my now empty "iPhoto Library" package?
In case that was confusing, here is a picture:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1347667/SnapNDrag66.jpg

I restored the library in a folder - not a package. You can not simply open the folder in iPhoto.
But, I decided to just try it and see what happens - it worked.
I held down option when starting iPhoto, then created a new library. Then I closed iPhoto, showed that package's contents and then dragged the contents of the backblaze backup into the new iPhoto library telling finder to replace everything. My iPhoto library is now fully functional.

IPhoto crashed. When reopened, 70 some events were grayed out (no photos). Restored iPhoto library from Time Machine, fewer grayed events. Said yes to a msg on fixing library, 3K more photos. Still wrong. What next to do?

iPhoto crashed. When reopened, 70+ some events were grayed out (no photos). Restored iPhoto library from Time Machine, fewer grayed events. Said yes to a msg on fixing library, 3000 more photos. Still wrong. What next to do?

Do you still have the library that you were using when the crash occurred? If so apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
1 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
2 - run Option #4 to rebuild the database.
Fix #2
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 - click on the Add Library button and select the library you want to add in the selection window..
3 - 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.
4 - In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
5 - Click on the Create button.
Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments but not books, calendars or slideshows. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.
OT

I have macbook pro w existing iPhoto library. Now have Canon printer and loaded Canon software for same. Cannot access iPhoto library from Canon software, but prints fine from iPhoto. How can I use iPhoto library w Canon software?

I have a macbook pro w exisitng iPhoto library. I now have Canon printer and loaded Canon software for same. I cannot access iPhoto library for use from Canon software. I can print from iPhoto directly to new printer without problem. How can I use iPhoto library with Canon software? I would like to try the software to see which I prefer...

Simply export some photos from iPhoto to a folder on the desktop and experiment.
Without telling us even what this program is, not to mind what it does, that's the best anyone can suggest.
Regards
TD

Problems while restoring iPhoto library with Time machine

Hello,
I've had some problems in iPhoto 11 for a while. Pics being removed or altered in different ways.
I then decided to restore my iPhoto library to an earlier date using Time machine. I used a one week old backup and after 2 hours or so when it was done, no pictures in the folder anymore! I panicked and restored once again, this time on the whole "Pictures" folder. Now i cannot even open the folder, i get this message - "The folder “Pictures” can’t be opened because you don’t have permission to see its contents."
I am the system administrator.. ive checked the "get info" option and made sure that all users can "read and write" in the folder.
When I try to restore the Pictures folder again i get a message telling me that it cannot be restored because the folder is being used... even if i dont use it!
I really need help to solve this... 60Gb pictures are gone
Please help me! What can i do? Is there any way to do a complete system restore for 1 week so i get rid of these problems? Or what would be the best and easiest fix?
Sorry if i placed this thread in the wrong place, but i think there are multiple problems that belong in different areas...

First ry the following on the library:
1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your
User/Home/Library/ Preferences folder.
2 - delete the contents the following folder:
User/Library/Containers/com.apple.iPhoto
3 - reboot, launch iPhoto and try again.
NOTE: For Mavericks, 10.9, go to your Home folder and use the View ➙ Show View Options menu to bring the this window:
where you can check the Show Library Folder checkbox.
If there's no improvement continue with: Try the following:
1 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down to open the First Aid window.
2 - Run Option #4, Rebuild Database, and if needed Option #1 and Option #2.

Restore iphoto library from Time machine using external drive

I keep my iPhoto library in an external drive (iomega 1 TB) I use Time Machine (Time Capsule) for my back-up of iphoto. The external drive is failing. I have bought an new external drive and wish to restore my iPhoto library to this new drive. The steps for restoring from Time Machine require me to click on the iphoto library and then enter time machine. I cannot do this as the folder is now unreadable in the drive and I do not wish to restore it to this old drive in any event.
I have accessed the time machine drive and can see the iphoto back up is there.
What is my next step?
Robert

See my answer to your duplicate question
LN

Problems restoring IPhoto Library after hard disk crash

I had a terminal hard disk crash a couple of months ago. The drive was replaced and new (well older) OS was installed. I have since updated to the current versions of the OS and Iphoto to iPhoto'09. My Documents and Pictures folders had been backed-up separately using Apple's Backup 3. My Documents folder was restored flawlessly, but I have been unable to restore my Pictures folder.
I spent some time with MobleMe support and we were unable to resolve the problem. My iPhoto library was backed-up on 2 occasions: the first was a FullBackup and the second an IncrementalBackup. When I run restore I get the following message:
"Begin restore at 2008-12-02 20:06:45 -0330 An internal application error has occurred. The disk archive could not be attached. End restore at 2008-12-02 20:06:49 -0330"
The MobleMe assistant thought it may have something to do with my user name changing when the new OS was installed. We played with this for a while but got no joy.
MobleMe next suggested that I do a manual restore:
"At this point, it sounds like you will need to try to manually restore it. These errors, such as "An internal application error has occurred. The disk archive could not be attached," can occur if one of the increments in a backup has become damaged and cannot be opened. Here are instructions for manually restoring files:"
Using these instructions they provided I have been able to access most of my photos, but I have not rebuilt my iPhoto Library yet. I have read most of the related posts on this form and there are some helpful tips. The problem I have is that I'm not certain how to bring the pictures back into iPhoto while maintaining some of the organization. My photos are spread across 7 IncrementalBackup files (packages?). Within each of these packages there is an Originals folder. Within the original folders there are several subfolders, and some of these subfolders occur across 2 or more of the Incrementalbackup packages. For example Originals:2005 subfolder occurs in 6 of the 7 backup files.
Finally my questions:
1) I'm still hopeful that I might be able to restore from the backup.
2) If not, I need to know how to recompile the the Originals subfolder system so I can maintain some the the organization, and then how I reipmort back into iPhoto'09
Thanks
Scott

Scott
That Library is gone. What you need to do now is start over with a new Library.
There is no way to restore your Albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc. This is a completely new beginning.
Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library' .
From each of the Originals folders in each of the Back Up packages drag the folders of images to the iPhoto Window. Iphoto will import them and make Event folders from them. It will ask you do you want to import duplicates. Say no.
Only import from the Originals folders. Otherwise you will get massive duplication.
Regards
TD

Restore iPhoto library from backup

I am running iPhoto '09 (v.8.1.2) on a 2006 iMac. I installed OSX (v.10.5.8) in early 2010. A few backups were performed before it started crashing while trying to backup. I am not able to upgrade at all due to hard drive constraints spacewise, so I have to work within the versions I have.
The hard drive has been diagnosed as dying and needs to be replaced. I've put it off due to financial reasons.
Meanwhile, I had moved my photo library to external HD #1 to free up space on the iMac HD.
The few backups that worked were sent to external HD #2.
External HD #1 has died.
I can see that there is a photo library in my backup from last March, but need to know how to restore it.
I tried a solution I found (close iPhoto, in Finder, open the folder with the current library, enter time machine, choose a backup, and find the library and click restore), but I was not able to click restore - it wasn't an option.
Right now, I have another photo library that I use when I open iPhoto. It's on the same external HD as the backup. Will this be a problem to restore from the same disk?
I have a new external HD that I haven't connected yet (will be doing that tonight) - if I need to employ it for this process, I can do that.
I know that there are special steps to do this, but with such old versions of everything, it's hard to find an answer that applies.

Nikononkin wrote:
if I try to use load it holding option while opening iPhoto, I get the message that says "The iPhoto library is a Time Machine backup and cannot be used as the main library."
That's correct; you can view or restore from the backups, but you can't use them with the app itself.
When I enter TM while in iPhoto, I see only one set of photos, and it's the library currently loaded as my library (a photo library under another user account of mine on this computer).
In that case, you can't use the special iPhoto Time Machine browser. You'll have to do it the old-fashioned way, via the Finder:
Since the original disk (external #1) is no longer attached, use the procedure in #E3 of Time Machine - Troubleshooting. Navigate to the iPhoto library in question, select it, and click the Restore button. Select the destination, and it should be restored.

Cannot restore iPhoto library

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