Getting message:"Can't open iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete"

getting message: You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete.
How do I reload the software when the update software" doesn't fix it

Welcome to the Apple Discussions. First make sure there's only one iPhoto library on your HD by launching iPhoto with the Option key depressed. In the next window there will be listed every library on your HD and any external HDs. If only one then close iPhoto and try the two fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select all options.
Fix #2
Rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 -Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
2 -Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your User/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File->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 untouched for further attempts at fixing or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.

Similar Messages

  • TS3297 iTunes message: can't open app because it may be damaged or incomplete

    "You can't open this iTunes application because it may be damaged or incomplete"  how to proceed?

    Welcome to the Apple Discussions. First make sure there's only one iPhoto library on your HD by launching iPhoto with the Option key depressed. In the next window there will be listed every library on your HD and any external HDs. If only one then close iPhoto and try the two fixes below in order as needed:
    Fix #1
    Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select all options.
    Fix #2
    Rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
    Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
    1 -Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
    2 -Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your User/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
    3 - Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File->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 untouched for further attempts at fixing or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.

  • I can't open iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete? It started after I installed iDvd so I uninstalled it. No change - what do I try next?

    I can't open iPhoto anymore because "it may be damaged or incomplete"? I'd been making folders of my albums & videos & moving them to an external hard drive. I have years of photo's & video still on iPhoto that I had not moved to the external hard drive yet. This problem started after I installed iDvd so I uninstalled it. Also tried to download older iPhoto updates to see if that would resolve the problem. No change - what do I try next?

    1. Back up:
    Most Simple Back Up:
    Drag the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder to another Disk. This will make a copy on that disk.
    Slightly more complex: Use an app that will do incremental back ups. This is a very good way to work. The first time you run the back up the app will make a complete copy of the Library. Thereafter it will update the back up with the changes you have made. That makes subsequent back ups much faster. Many of these apps also have scheduling capabilities: So set it up and it will do the back up automatically.
    Example of such apps: Chronosync - but there are many others. Search on MacUpdate or the App Store
    2. Reinstall:
    To re-install iPhoto
    1. Put the iPhoto.app in the trash (Drag it from your Applications Folder to the trash)
    2. Download it from the App Store to reinstall It's on your Purchases List* there.
    For older versions that have been installed from Disk you'll need these additional steps:
    2a: On 10.5:  Go to HD/Library/Receipts and remove any pkg file there with iPhoto in the name.
    2b: On 10.6: Those receipts may be found as follows:  In the Finder use the Go menu and select Go To Folder. In the resulting window type
    /var/db/receipts/
    2c: on 10.7 or later they're at
    /private/var/db/receipts
    A Finder Window will open at that location and you can remove the iPhoto pkg files.
    3. Re-install.
    If you purchased an iLife Disk, then iPhoto is on it.
    If iPhoto was installed on your Mac when you go it then it’s on the System Restore disks that came with your Mac. Insert the first one and opt to ‘Install Bundled Applications Only.
    *Sometimes iPhoto is not visible on the Purchases List. it may be hidden. See this article for details on how to unhide it.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4928
    One question often asked: Will I lose my Photos if I reinstall?
    iPhoto the application and the iPhoto Library are two different parts of the iPhoto programme. So, reinstalling the app should not affect the Library. BUT you should always have a back up before doing this kind of work. Always.

  • Can't open iPhoto "because it may be damaged or incomplete"

    What should I do?  Can't open iPhoto.

    Reinstall it.
    To re-install iPhoto
    1. Put the iPhoto.app in the trash (Drag it from your Applications Folder to the trash)
    2a: On 10.5:  Go to HD/Library/Receipts and remove any pkg file there with iPhoto in the name.
    2b: On 10.6: Those receipts may be found as follows:  In the Finder use the Go menu and select Go To Folder. In the resulting window type
    /var/db/receipts/
    2c: on 10.7 they're at
    /private/var/db/receipts
    A Finder Window will open at that location and you can remove the iPhoto pkg files.
    3. Re-install.
    If you purchased an iLife Disk, then iPhoto is on it.
    If iPhoto was installed on your Mac when you go it then it’s on the System Restore disks that came with your Mac. Insert the first one and opt to ‘Install Bundled Applications Only.
    If you purchased it on the App Store you can find it in your Purchases List.

  • Can't open iPhoto. warning says can't open iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete

    cant open iphoto. says it is damaged or incomplete

    To re-install iPhoto
    1. Put the iPhoto.app in the trash (Drag it from your Applications Folder to the trash)
    2a: On 10.5:  Go to HD/Library/Receipts and remove any pkg file there with iPhoto in the name.
    2b: On 10.6: Those receipts may be found as follows:  In the Finder use the Go menu and select Go To Folder. In the resulting window type
    /var/db/receipts/
    2c: on 10.7 they're at
    /private/var/db/receipts
    A Finder Window will open at that location and you can remove the iPhoto pkg files.
    3. Re-install.
    If you purchased an iLife Disk, then iPhoto is on it.
    If iPhoto was installed on your Mac when you go it then it’s on the System Restore disks that came with your Mac. Insert the first one and opt to ‘Install Bundled Applications Only.
    If you purchased it on the App Store or have a Recent Mac you can find it in your Purchases List.

  • I did not realize Ilife was already on the new mac, and installed I life from a disk. Now Iphoto has a  circle with a slash, when trying to open is says (you can open iPhoto because is may be damaged or incomplete. ?

    I did not realize Iife was already on the new mac, and installed I life from a disk. Now Iphoto has a  circle with a slash, when trying to open is says (you can open iPhoto because is may be damaged or incomplete. ?

    This sounds different than with my IOS devices, since I am able to see the photos even with a connection to the Internet.
    Do you mean without a connection to the internet? With a connection it's logical you would be able to see the PS.
    The following is from iCloud: Photo Stream FAQ
    Can photos be saved or downloaded from a shared photo stream?
    Yes. Once photos are shared, anyone who can view the shared photo stream can download and keep the photos permanently.
    On a device using iOS 6 or later, you can save photos to the Camera Roll. On a Mac, using iPhoto 9.4 or Aperture 3.4, you can save photos from the shared stream to your local Photo Library or any other location on your Mac. On a Windows PC, you can copy photos from a shared photo stream to any folder. On the web, photos can be downloaded directly to your computer from the detail view of each photo.
    This tells me that the image files are not on the HD unless the subscriber chooses to download them.

  • I tried to upgrade and now can't open it because it may be damaged or incomplete

    I followed a prompt to upgrade and now when I try to open with Firefox I get the following message. You cannot open Firefox because it may be damaged or incomplete. My old Firefox remembers userID's and passwords that I need. How can I retrieve this information?

    * Download a new copy of the Firefox program.
    * Firefox 4.0: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html
    * Firefox 3.6: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-older.html
    * Trash the current Firefox application to do a clean (re-)install
    * Install the new version that you have downloaded
    Your profile data is stored elsewhere in the [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox Firefox Profile Folder], so you won't lose your bookmarks and other personal data.

  • When trying to open iphoto I get the error message "You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete." How do I fix this and get my photo's back?

    When trying to open iphoto I get the error message "You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete." How do I fix this and get my photo's back?

    To re-install iPhoto
    1. Put the iPhoto.app in the trash (Drag it from your Applications Folder to the trash)
    2a: On 10.5:  Go to HD/Library/Receipts and remove any pkg file there with iPhoto in the name.
    2b: On 10.6: Those receipts may be found as follows:  In the Finder use the Go menu and select Go To Folder. In the resulting window type
    /var/db/receipts/
    2c: on 10.7 they're at
    /private/var/db/receipts
    A Finder Window will open at that location and you can remove the iPhoto pkg files.
    3. Re-install.
    If you purchased an iLife Disk, then iPhoto is on it.
    If iPhoto was installed on your Mac when you go it then it’s on the System Restore disks that came with your Mac. Insert the first one and opt to ‘Install Bundled Applications Only.
    If you purchased it on the App Store you can find it in your Purchases List.

  • I am unable to open Photo on my MacBook Pro after installing ilife 11 from a disc.  The message I get says "you can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete.  What can I do?!

    I am unable to open iPhoto on my Macbook Pro (OSX 10.9.3)  after installing ilife 11 from a disc.  The message I get is "you can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete.  What can I do?!  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

    Reinstall it.This time delete the receipts first.
    To re-install iPhoto
    1. Put the iPhoto.app in the trash (Drag it from your Applications Folder to the trash)
    2. Download it from the App Store to reinstall It's on your Purchases List* there.
    For older versions that have been installed from Disk you'll need these additional steps:
    2a: On 10.5:  Go to HD/Library/Receipts and remove any pkg file there with iPhoto in the name.
    2b: On 10.6: Those receipts may be found as follows:  In the Finder use the Go menu and select Go To Folder. In the resulting window type
    /var/db/receipts/
    2c: on 10.7 or later they're at
    /private/var/db/receipts
    A Finder Window will open at that location and you can remove the iPhoto pkg files.
    3. Re-install.
    If you purchased an iLife Disk, then iPhoto is on it.
    If iPhoto was installed on your Mac when you go it then it’s on the System Restore disks that came with your Mac. Insert the first one and opt to ‘Install Bundled Applications Only.
    *Sometimes iPhoto is not visible on the Purchases List. it may be hidden. See this article for details on how to unhide it.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4928
    One question often asked: Will I lose my Photos if I reinstall?
    iPhoto the application and the iPhoto Library are two different parts of the iPhoto programme. So, reinstalling the app should not affect the Library. BUT you should always have a back up before doing this kind of work. Always.
    Important:
    As you're on 10.9.3 you'll need to update iPhoto to v9.5 before opening it. Use Software update.

  • HT1338 Why am I getting a message "You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete" - v11, purchased and installed before Lion upgrade

    I get the message "You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete." This is a currently support iPhoto'11. Purchased and installed prior to OS X Lion upgrade. Was working, and now it is not. What might have happened? I saw  that Apple updated iPhoto in the App Store, but that is not where I purchased this. I tried Software Update, but it said all the software was up to date.
    Suggestions?

    GrandmaGG wrote:
    I get the message "You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete." This is a currently support iPhoto'11. Purchased and installed prior to OS X Lion upgrade. Was working, and now it is not. What might have happened? I saw  that Apple updated iPhoto in the App Store, but that is not where I purchased this. I tried Software Update, but it said all the software was up to date.
    Suggestions?
    Do you have iLife '11 Discs or did you download it from the App Store?

  • Does anyone know how I can retrieve this.  Somehow my cat moved ITunes to the middle of the desktop and I now get this message and cannot open it. You can't open the application iPhoto because it may be damaged or incomplete.

    Does anyone know how I can solve this.  My cat managed to move iphoto tab to the middle of the screen and now I cannot open it and get this message.
    You cannot open the application iphoto because it may be damaged or incomplete
    Any help appreciated

    You need a more technically saavy cat, for a start.
    To re-install iPhoto
    1. Put the iPhoto.app in the trash (Drag it from your Applications Folder to the trash)
    2a: On 10.5:  Go to HD/Library/Receipts and remove any pkg file there with iPhoto in the name.
    2b: On 10.6: Those receipts may be found as follows:  In the Finder use the Go menu and select Go To Folder. In the resulting window type
    /var/db/receipts/
    2c: on 10.7 or later they're at
    /private/var/db/receipts
    A Finder Window will open at that location and you can remove the iPhoto pkg files.
    3. Re-install.
    If you purchased an iLife Disk, then iPhoto is on it.
    If iPhoto was installed on your Mac when you go it then it’s on the System Restore disks that came with your Mac. Insert the first one and opt to ‘Install Bundled Applications Only.
    If you purchased it on the App Store or have a Recent Mac you can find it in your Purchases List.

  • My iPhoto isn't working. Error message says "you can't open the app "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete.

    Just purchased a new mac with Mountain Lion installed. My iPhoto isn't working. Error message says "you can't open the app "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete.

    First try this:  launch iPhoto with the Option key held down and create a new, test library.  Import some photos and check to see if the same problem persists. If it does then make a temporary, backup copy (if you don't already have a backup copy) of the library and try the following:
    1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your
         User/Home/Library/ Preferences folder.
    2 - delete iPhoto's cache file, Cache.db, that is located in your
    User/Home/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder (Snow Leopard and Earlier).
    or with Mt. Lion from the User/Library/Containers/com.apple.iPhoto/
    Data/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder
    3 - launch iPhoto and try again.
    NOTE: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding down the Option key when launching iPhoto.  You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.
    NOTE 2:  In Lion and Mountain Lion the Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and hit the Enter button - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.
    OT

  • IPhoto has somehow uninstalled itself, or I've done something wrong. If  try to open iPhoto, it gives me this message: "You can't open the application "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete. I have an iMac OS X. How do I reinstall iPhoto please

    iPhoto has somehow uninstalled itself, or I've done something wrong. If I try to open iPhoto, it gives me this message: "You can't open the application "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete". I have an iMac OS X. How do I reinstall iPhoto please?

    What is your iPhoto version and how did you install it originally?
    If it came with a new mac and Lion or Mt. Lion installed, you can delete iPhoto from the Applications folder (don't empty the Trash) and download it again from the "Purchased" tab of the App Store.
    If you have bought the iLife CD, reinstall iPhoto from the installation media, after deleting it from the Application folder.
    Or if your Mac came with an older MacOS X, but iLIfe preinstalled, use the system Install CDs,  see Terence Devlin's post here:  Re: My iPhoto isn't working. Error message says "you can't open the app "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete.
    Regards
    Léonie
    P.S: This may not only be a problem of a broken iPhoto. What did you do, directly before this happened? Did you run a program, that will clean the Mac to save space, like "Clean My Mac" or "Mac Keeper"? These little helpers can be risky and overdo it and remove too much. Then it might be safer to reinstall your system, because other essential files might be missing now.

  • Help: could not open iphoto: message "you can't open the application iphoto because it may be damaged or incomplete".

    Help: could not open iphoto: message "you can't open the application iphoto because it may be damaged or incomplete".

    Greetings,
    It sounds like the iPhoto application is damaged and needs to be reinstalled.
    Follow this article: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3249
    Cheers.

  • I'm receiving a message whenever I try to open iPhoto. " can't open application "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete. Anybody had this issue  before?

    i'm receiving a message whenever I try to open iPhoto. " can't open application "iPhoto" because it may be damaged or incomplete. Anybody had this issue  before?

    Have you looked at the previous discussions listed on the right side of this page under the heading "More Like This"? Ones with a green checkmark are solved.
    next, post in the iPhotos for Mac forum

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