Cannot view pictures in iPhoto

Question

I have iPhoto 7.1.3 and OS 10.4.11
I have read all the posts regarding the changes with iPhoto and the inability to view the individual files in the latest version.
However, in iPhoto when I try to view a photo, I get the ! icon. As a result, I cannot view the picture, drag it to the desktop or edit it. I am able to view the details of the picture, including file name and size. So I believe the picture exists, but I don't know why I cannot see it.
I tried rebuilding iPhoto during application launch by holding the control-option keys. Nothing has changed.
Someone please help as I need to access my pictures for project.
Thanks
Harinder
<edited by host - for your privacy do not place email addresses in the body of your posts.>

Answer 1

Harinder
Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
Never post your email on an internet forum.
As you've tried rebuilding the library then I would move on to recovery mode. Your db has been corrupted:
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