Corrupted Library6.iPhoto file.  New Library from ext. drive?

My Library6.iPhoto file is corrupted. How do I create a new 'Library' when all the 'original' stills are on an external drive and will not fit on my 'desktop'?
Ben

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 created 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. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
Do you Twango?

Similar Messages

  • ? Corrupted Library6.iPhoto file?

    I updated iPhoto to 7.1.2 a few days ago. On opening iPhoto the next AM I noticed that all my pictures from summer 2006 to present are missing when running iPhoto; those before summer 2006 remain. It was a few days since I had looked at pictures before the upgrade. Fortunately, all my pictures appear to be in the correct place and are viewable with Preview when I click on the photo file (user/Pictures/iPhoto Library/) on the internal hard drive. Whew!
    I've reviewed the forum for the last 2 hours and assume that I have a corrupted database file. Not sure if it is the Library6.iPhoto file or albumData.xml file. I have tried copying both of these from my SuperSuper backup volume (done last Sunday evening automatically before I knew I had a problem) on my external hard drive without correction of the problem. Should I also try to copy over the Library.iPhoto file? I didn't see this recommended elsewhere.
    Prior posts recommended copying over the Library6.iPhoto file if a backup was available, and if no improvement, to rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager. Before jumping into this, I want to make sure that is what others would recommend. I've got the program downloaded and see the command to rebuild. It will save the new library as "rebuilt library" in the pictures folder. Is this my best action?
    If I rebuild, shouId I then throw away my old "iPhoto Library", then change the name of the rebuilt library to "iPhoto Library"?
    What are the ramifications of rebuilding the library? Although I have a lot of albums, I only have a couple slideshows, only 1 web gallery item, and no cards. I assume I'll have to rename events; no big deal.
    I am a little surprised rebuilding the library is not built into iPhoto somewhere. Good thing someone wrote a program.
    Given this corrupted file, should I be checking my drive for other problems? Permissions are correct and the disk verified fine with disk utility.
    Thanks,
    Justin

    jcgraff
    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

  • How do I move iTunes to new Mac from ext drive?

    I bought a new Macbook Air and need help moving my iTunes library from an external drive to the new computer. (My old Macbook Pro ran out of disk space so I moved the entire library to the other drive).  Now that I have new Air, how do I properly move the library from the ext drive? Thanks.

    Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings:  Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive.  Open iTunes and immediately hold down the Option (alt) key (shift on Windows), then guide it to the iTunes Library.itl file in the moved iTunes folder.
    If you put the copied iTunes folder in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music  then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there.  (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.)
    Longer answers if for any reason you do not think all library files are inside your iTunes folder (changed preferences settings at some point):
    iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
    For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168
    2011 ilounge article: Transferring your iTunes library - http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to -a-new-hard-drive/  - An article with good background information (similar to the links above), particularly if you are not sure your media files are all grouped for quick answer above. Unfortunately under the single term "transferring library" it describes two very different moves; relocating just your media (not  really transferring your library and not recommended unless you really need this configuration), and relocating media+database (really your whole "library").  Make sure you understand the difference before electing to move only media.
    Unless you have a very small library I expect you'll be moving it back soon.

  • I recently lost access to external hard drive connected to my iMac (no icon visible). My iTunes and iPhoto files are accessed from this drive.  I can't seem to get the time machine to restore these two. that drive was NOT excluded from time machine backup

    Hi.
    help!  recently I noticed  the external drive icon missing from my desktop...the one with my huge itunes and iphoto libraries. I tried several things but couln't get it back. So I tried to restore to an older date in time machine with no success. I'm sure the drive was not set for exclusion from the backups. Any thoughts as to where i'm going wrong? I was under the impression that external drives were also backed up with time machine...am I delusional?

    Frequently doing a SMC reset will help this issue, for directions please click the iMac SMC and PRAM reset link. Also check the obvious such as cables and connections. Or it's even possible the EHD has failed, they can and do.

  • Corrupt Library6.iphoto - empty albums

    Hello, guys, hope someone out there is smarter than I (and smarter than "I-Photo").
    I have a corrupt library6.iphoto here. About 100 of my albums show zero pictures (only one is populated). But all 40Gb of photos are still intact in the 'Original' and 'Modified' folders. I believe the problem is a corrupt slideshow I just created. I think that because when I try to click that slideshow, iPhoto quits abruptly (i.e. no obvious way to delete it).
    I read this thread (and many similar) http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9861491&#9861491
    and the three options described there will cause a lot of work:
    Option 1. "Back-Up": My latest backup is about 15Gb ago (yes, that's a human error), and I've modified a lot of pictures since then, so I estimate I would lose about 20 to 30 hours of work.
    Option 2. "Rebuild": I'm in the process of rebuilding another 40Gb Library, but I guess it won't work since the corrupt Library6 file is a fraction of the size of my last backed up library6 file.
    Option 3. "Re-Populate": Not all the Rolls correspond to Albums, so there isn't an easy way to re-create my albums (another, 5 to 10 hours of work).
    My questions:
    A) Since I see the empty Album-structure intact in the corrupt library, is it possible that the album-data is still stored somewhere (despite the fact that the Library6 file is a fraction of what it was)?
    B) Is it possible to rebuild the libraries using all available photos in the Pictures folder? (i.e. using both folders 'Modified' and 'Originals'?)
    C) Is it possible to kick that slideshow out of the database, thereby leaving the empty Album-structure for me to re-populate?
    A thousand thanks to anyone who can help.
    -Stuart

    Stuart
    That library6.iphoto file is toast. There is no going back to it. Even if you could “repopulate” it somehow, you would be bringing data into an entity known to unstable - nothing too wise there
    As you don’t have an up-to-date- back up your choices are two:
    The first attempts to leverage the data about your albums mentioned here:
    A) Since I see the empty Album-structure intact in the corrupt library, is it possible that the album-data is still stored somewhere (despite the fact that the Library6 file is a fraction of what it was)?
    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.
    or
    Rebuild from Scratch.
    B) Is it possible to rebuild the libraries using all available photos in the Pictures folder? (i.e. using both folders 'Modified' and 'Originals'?)
    Yes, simply import the photos from both Folders. But you will have massive duplication as each will be treated as a new photo in itself. If you don’t have a working back up and/or if rebuilding with iPhoto Library Manager fails there is +no way+ to re-construct the relationship between the Original and Modified versions.
    C) Is it possible to kick that slideshow out of the database, thereby leaving the empty Album-structure for me to re-populate?
    No.
    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.
    Regards
    TD

  • Can't read iPhoto library from external drive via airport extreme base stat

    I can't seem to open my iPhoto library from my external USB drive that is hooked and being shared through my airport extreme base station. If I plug the external drive directly to my mac via USB it works but not when going through the base station.
    This only started happening when I upgraded from iLife'06 to iLife'08.
    Anyone have any ideas on how to fix?

    That's a problem that many are posting about. Haven't read of a solution yet. Be sure to report the problem to Apple at: http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphoto.html.
    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. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

  • Hope of restoring photos even if Library6.iPhoto file is lost/deleted?

    All of my 283 events still visible in iPhoto, neatly named and organized, and I can open them, but I can't open any of the photos or videos inside. When I click on a video thumbnail, nothing happens; when I click on a photo thumbnail, I get a large exclamation mark instead of a photo.
    Following some advice on older iPhoto threads, I've tried rebuilding my iPhoto Library by holding down option/alt as I launched iPhoto and checking all the options to rebuild. But doing that seems to have only made things worse, because the thumbnails that used to appear as tiny thumbs of my photos and videos (useless as they were) now are blank/empty squares bordered by dotted lines, though still labeled with their proper filenames.
    I've been reading thread after thread about lost iPhoto Libraries, and part of the restoration always has something to do with the files AlbumData.xml and Library6.iPhoto. (What exactly are these files for, anyway?)
    I have AlbumData.xml in the package contents of my 'iPhoto Library' (for which I am now prompted to look for an application with which to open it), but I can't find the Library6.iPhoto file anywhere. I think it was lost in some moving I did between my external hard drive and my Mac yesterday.
    Supposing it was permanently deleted, is all hope of restoring my photos and videos lost?
    (Also, I've just checked the space available on my Mac and it's gone from less than 1 GB to about 96 GB. Cause to panic? ... That's 7689 photos and videos that I kept in iPhoto and never thought to backup. Stupid.)

    If you're using iPhoto 09 then there may well be no Library6.iPhoto file. That refers to earlier versions.
    I'm afraid this does not look good:
    I've just checked the space available on my Mac and it's gone from less than 1 GB to about 96 GB.
    That space came back because something got deleted. Mind you I wouldn't expect that 7700 photos and videos would take up that much space. So, I think you've lost more.
    And a likely cause:
    the space available on my Mac and it's gone from less than 1 GB
    Did you get warnings about the available disk space?
    OS X needs about 10 gigs of hard drive space for normal OS operations - things like virtual memory, temporary files and so on. Without this space your Mac will slow down as the OS hunts for space on the disk, files will be fragmented, also slowing things down, apps will crash and the risk of data corruption - that is damage to your files, photos, music - increases exponentially.
    AS you have no back up, then I'm afraid you're into a Data Recovery scenario. You're going to need an external hard disk, an app like File Salvage and a lot of patience and luck.
    Regards
    TD

  • Open library6.iphoto in new iPhoto version!

    I had a full iPhoto library on my old laptop. It is backed up onto my external hard drive. I want to get those photos onto my new laptop (which is running the latest version of everything) but i can't get the "library6.iphoto" file to open in my iPhoto now. What do i do?? Thanks!

    Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
    Which do you want to move? The Library on the old laptop? Or the Library on the External?
    If it's the laptop:
    Copy the iPhoto Library Folder from the Pictures Folder on the old machine to the same location on the new one. Launch iPhoto. That's all, it will do the rest.
    If you're trying to open the library on the HD:
    Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' and point iPhoto at the *iPhoto Library Folder* on the external (not on any if the files therein). If iPhoto sees a valid library it will open it.
    Regards
    TD

  • Time Machine recovery of library6.iphoto file in iPhoto 08?

    Hello everyone,
    Is it possible to use Time Machine to recover a previous (uncorrupted) version of the library6.iphoto file? This is located within the iPhoto Library file, and is only viewable (as far as I know) by right clicking on the file to show package contents.
    Thanks for any suggestions,
    Vincent

    A Time Machine back up is not readable from the FInder. It works in increments. So the first runis the whole object being abcked up, thereafter only the changes are recorded. So, to access the back up you need to restore. This produces the original plus all the changes since.
    You have put your Library on a Disk Image. You need to restore the disk image and mount it to view the contents of the Library.

  • Library6.iPhoto file

    Hello,
    I have been useing iPhoto exclusively and due to some other problems have ended up repopulating my Library a couple times. I have had to rename and recreate all of the files and albums, respectively. I have had to re-import my pics again in the past few months from my backup on my external HD and have been trying to find if there is a way i can find the names of the pics and the albums I have created previously. I have noted that many of the repsonses discuss 3 folders in the iPhoto Libray folder (Originals, Modified, and Data). I don't have them nor do I have a Library6.iPhoto file. Instead I have some orignial folders in folders named by the year the pictures were taken and a "Library.iPhoto" file. I have a couple questions:
    1) Is the missing Library6.iPhoto file where my albums and names for the pics would be?
    2) Is there a way to get the names/albums back into my library so I don't have to recreate the wheel?
    3) How can I get the three folders?
    Thanks
    Powerbook Pro G4 Mac OS X (10.4.7)

    Hi,
    What you're describing is the iPhoto library structure for versions prior to v6. In iPhoto, go to the iPhoto menu and choose Info. A box will pop up to show you which version of iPhoto you are using. Then you can direct your future questions to the forum for the version you have. As for now, it sounds like your library structure is normal and shouldn't be the sole cause of your difficulties.
    Good Luck.

  • Can't read iPhoto library from external drive

    I suddenly can't can't read iPhoto library from external drive. I have talked to WD and nohing is wrong with the network drive. I can open images and files from it. But, I can't read in iPhoto Library.

    Network Drive? a NAS?
    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, exporting, saving edits and sharing the photos.
    Basically, you need to move the library to a correctly formatted disk.

  • Setting up a new library from an existing one

    Due to lack of Genius mixes I have decided to set up a new library from my existing one but what I wandered was is there anyway of retaining my ratings/play counts etc by copying the iTunes database file from my original library folder.
    I have over 100gb of content in my library and don't really wish to have to go through the process of rating everything again as my 'main' library is over three years of tweaking,adding & modifying etc.
    Upon setting up this new library (which is taking ages to load)I have the "Turn on Genius" option down the right hand side which I cannot get in my main library.
    I have just purchased a 5th generation Nano but cannot access Genius on it as it says my iTunes library doesn't have Genius enabled but it is I just can't get any Genius mixes.

    Try this.
    Quit iTunes.
    Drag the *iTunes library.itl* file and *iTunes library.xml* to the desktop. Do NOT delete either of them.
    Launch iTunes.
    Do NOT add anything.
    Go to File -> Library -> Import playlist and select the iTunes library.xml file on the desktop.
    See if the ratings and the Genius mixes appear.
    If so, you are good to go and can delete the *iTunes library.itl* file and *iTunes library.xml* on the desktop.
    If not, don't delete anything and post back.

  • 2006 iMac running 10.4 OS. I copied files to ext. drive. Put in 10.6 disc and did a clean install (format) of 10.6. Copied data from ext. drive back to Mac. I didn't get all the files. CAN I REVERT BACK TO THE 10.4 OS SO I CAN COPY MY DATA PROPERLY?

    2006 iMac running 10.4 OS. I copied files to ext. drive. Put in 10.6 disc and did a clean install (format) of 10.6. Copied data from ext. drive back to Mac. I didn't get all the files. CAN I REVERT BACK TO THE 10.4 OS SO I CAN COPY MY DATA PROPERLY?

    How did you copy files to the external drive, and what files did you copy? Did you drag and drop in the Finder? Use a clone utility? What files did not successfully copy?
    If you reformatted the drive as part of your install, then you won't be able to recover any files from the drive. Reverting back to (reinstalling) 10.4 will not help you.
    Do you have a complete-drive backup of your old system?
    Matt

  • How to keep entire photo library on ext drive and only slideshows on laptop

    I recently did an erase/install upgrade to Tiger on my g4 powerbook laptop. My previous iPhoto 4 library is safely backed up on an external drive. I would like to keep the entire library on that drive and import new photos only to that drive and edit on that drive. I would like to have a second iPhoto library on my laptop that only contains slideshows that I have created on the external drive. I received mixed opinions at the genius bar: One guy told me that I would end up with a big mess and another guy told me it would be straightforward and easy.
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    2. Open it again while holding alt/option and ask it to create a new iPhoto library on the external drive (should I name it something unique?).
    3. Drag my backed-up iPhoto library folder (its contents) into the new iPhoto library on the external drive (I imagine it will want to update them as well).
    4. When I want to move a slideshow over to my laptop, export a copy of the slideshow to a laptop desktop folder (so it sends copies only) and then move them into my laptop iPhoto library (I have no idea whether the slideshow order and settings would be preserved).
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    I am concerned that when I connect my camera to my laptop, it will want to open the laptop iPhoto library and import there instead of to the external drive library. How do I get the pics from my camera to the external drive library?
    Again, thanks!

    rbfactor:
    Welcome to the Apple Discussions. Regarding Step 3: do not import the old library into the new one. You'll get the modified files as regular files and lose your keywords, tiles, albums, slideshows, etc.
    What I would do is put your full library on the external HD. Then create a new library on your PB. In the primary library create an album with the pictures you want for the sideshow. Then use the paid version of iPhoto Library Manager tocopy that album from the external HD library to your PB library. Unfortunately you cannot copy over the slideshow settings or the music used. You'll have to have your iTunes library on the PB and set the slideshow settings once your have the photos on the PB.
    The alternative is to export the slideshow as a QT file and copy that to the PB and run with QT player.
    TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) 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 created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), 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. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
    Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

  • IPhoto stalls on import from network drive

    I have all my family photos on a network disc that we share on all computers in the house.
    I want the photos to stay on this disc so in iPhoto preferences, advanced tab I have removed the checkmark in "copy items to iPhoto library".
    When I choose "import to library" everything goes well, until all the photos have been indexed - then it goes to "finishing import" - and around 50% it stalls... And stalls, and stalls! Nothing happens after 5 minutes, 1 hour or 12 hours.
    I've tried to import over wifi and wired network - same thing. Does anybody have any ideas?!
    When I import, I choose the top-level folder containing around 10000 photos. I thought this amount could make iPhoto choke-up or something, so I tried to import a sub-folder of around 10 photos - and this works! Problem is that there are A LOT of subfolders, so doing them all one-by-one is not really an option. HELP!!! I can't believe that this app. can't handle the amount of photos I have, I know others that have many more...
    Best regards - and happy holidays!
    /Kasper

    Kasper:
    Just a word of warning. iPhoto doesn't like movie files in referenced, i.e. aliased, libraries. If there's a problem with the availability of the source movie file, slow connection, etc. iPhoto will stall at that point and continually ask for the file. I don't know if this is the source of your import problem but I would strongly recommend you have a separate library for your movie files. That will make the other library more stable in the long run.
    Happy Holidays
    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 created 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. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

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