IPhoto 11 upgrade trashed my library

While upgrading iPhoto 11 to version 9.4, the upgrade would complete about 75%, then cause my iMac to reboot.  After several attempts the upgrade completed.  However, my iPhoto library is gone.  When I start iPhoto it prompts for a library name, or to create a new one.  So, I tried restoring my ~/Pictures/iPhoto Library folder from a time machine backup, but that did not restore my library.  So I guess the question becomes, why isn't restoring the iPhoto Library folder working?
This is the reason I would never trust housing my precious photos and videos in an application like iPhoto, Aperature, Photoshop, etc.  Eventually it's going to come back to haunt you!
Don't get me wrong, I love iPhoto for editing, uploading, creating albums, etc.  But I just drag whatever I want to work with from my photos on disk, and of course photo stream is awesome.

<sigh>
Next you'll be telling me that data and files are not stored in a database becase the database is on the file system.
Have you ever looked inside one of these libraries? They they all are, files in folders, just like your set up. For an "engineer" "in the IT business since 1989" you really don't know very much.
Every application is owned by someone, even Unix, and so every application is "propiatory" (sic).
I wonder if you're trying to say that the data is stored in proprietary formats. Well this is where you're wrong. They are not. SQL is an open source format and the actual photos are stored in exactly the same way as they are imported. You can open, read, edit and access any iPhoto database with a Text Editor. Jpegs are stored as Jpegs, Raws as Raws, Tiffs as Tiff etc. They are not changed or altered in any way. Quite the whole point of these apps is that the process losslesly and treat the master as a film shooter treats the negative. It's never touched.
So, can we be clear, there are no proprietary formats used anywhere in these Libraries.
Again, have you ever looked inside one?
I've been on this forum a while and I've seen all the posts from people who "cannot recove (sic) their photos, movies, from iPhoto of (sic) iMovie"... yes but have you ever bothered to read the answers? Obviously not. One of the great things about these apps is that - because files are just stored in the file system - you know, like you do - they can be easily recovered if there is no back up. So, they are as safe as your files are.
You can go for years without a problem, then one day, corruption can render your photo library useless.  Evidently you'll have to learn that the hard way.
1. That's why I have back ups. I'm amazed that an 'engineer' with vast experience in the IT industry didn't have one.
2. You're obviously unaware of how iPhoto, Aperture, Lightroom work, I understand the mistake you're making. It happens with lost of people, many of whom are not 'engineers'. The fact is the photos are stored in the file system, exactly as yours are. Therefore they are as safe as yours are.
Regards
TD

Similar Messages

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