Help! Over 5 years of photos gone!

Question

I am anal about keeping my computer organized. After some events my whole iPhoto library is gone. Here is the step by step of what I did.
1. While organizing my pictures folder I moved my iPhoto Library to the Library folder in my home folder.
2. Upon opening iPhoto, all my albums were there and there were outlines of where the photos would be but when clicking on them it was blank.
3. I moved the iPhoto Library folder from the Library folder back to the photo folder, and the computer said there was already a file with that name there would I like to replace. I said yes, thinking the iPhoto Library I was replacing was an empty library that the program created when it couldn't find the original library.
4. Opened iPhoto again and there is NOTHING. No albums, no film rolls, completely empty.
Because I'm stupid I haven't backed up my files since I used OS 9.
I called my dad and he believes the files are still on my computer but iPhoto can't find them. But because I'm 6 hours away at school and have to relay info I don't understand over the phone, we didn't really get anywhere. If an one has any suggestions I am completely open. I am on the brink of crying if I've lost all my photos.

Answer 1

Punkachinca:
Try putting the Library6.iPhoto file that you moved to the desktop back in the library package, replacing any new version there. Then launch iPhoto. Make sure your library package is located in the Pictures folder. In the future, see the tip at the end of my signature for a way to make a backup of that Library6.iPhoto file. That will protect you in case there's any damage to that file causing iPhoto to think there are no photos. You should also backup the entire library package to protect your image files also.
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. 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.