Iphoto library and time machine backup on a same drive ?

Hi
I want to free up some space on my MBP so I am planning to move my iphoto library from MBP to an external hard drive. Can I also use the same external drive to keep Time Machine backups ? In short if I buy a large size external drive can I use it as a TM backup drive and also as iphoto library home location ? Or do I have to keep two separate external drives...one for TM and the other for iphoto library.
Thanks
Mandar

Yes, you can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Should your backup drive fail then you not only lose your Time Machine backups but you will also lose your iPhoto Library. But if you put each on two different drives then you lose none. If the iPhoto drive fails your library is still backed up on the Time Machine backup drive. If you lose the Time Machine drive then you lose a backup that can be easily recreated, but you still have the iPhoto drive. Two drives is a much better strategy. Always keep backups separate from all other external drive uses.

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How do I access my iphoto library on time machine backup external drive using Lion, originally saved from old computer and system

how do I access my iphoto library on time machine backup external drive using Lion, originally saved off old computer and system. It's not letting me open the folder???

Once again here's how to restore an iPhoto Library from Time Machine:

HT4927 Restoring iPhoto library from Time Machine backup

Will restoring an iPhoto library from Time Machine overwrite the current library? After I did a backup, I deleted some photos but since then I have added new photos.

It is an option. You can overwrite or keep both when you restore
LN

Trying to rebuild my iphoto library from time machine backup and it still says 0 restored with a grey screen and the circle. How can i restore my library?

I just bought a new Macbook pro and i tried to rebuild my iphoto library from a time machine backup on an external hard drive. Even after pressing command+option when starting iphoto and selecting rebuild library from automatic backup, it still doesn't work with the grey screen with the white circle and a little window that says 'rebuilding library: 0 versions restored'. I also tried to make a copy of my iphoto library but that did not work either. how can i restore my iphoto library or at least gain access to my photos?

Your question is not clear
Rerairing or rebuilding the iPhoto library never involves using Time Machine in any way
TM is a totally seperate program and you can "restore" a file (including the iPhoto library) from the past using TM - you launch TM and go back to the time you want and select the file (or folder or package) you want and click restore - it probably is best to keep the current one until you are sure everything is good
LN

Manual Extraction of iPhoto Library from Time Machine Backup.

I've got most of my most valuable data already backed up. The final remaining thing to get is my iPhoto Library. Unfortunately I've already tried twice to restore the iMac from the TimeMachine without success. The backup itself is corrupt and copies the corruption to the iMac making it useless. While I can access the Data disk on the Time Machine and can see the backup.sparsebundle, when I Show Package Contents the bands folder never opens…
Using the Migration Assistant is feeling a bit risky as I don't actually know what the miscellaneous items are when restoring. I'd hate for the corruption to copy back when all I need is the iPhoto Library and have to take the iMac back to the Apple store to have the OS installed for a 3rd time. Any help and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Perhaps you need to re-read the article I linked to. It uses the Time Machine interface not Migration Assistant. BTW your iPhoto Library is part of the 8.8 gb User.
If you only have 2.1 gigs of space left on that disk then you have a major problem.
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.
Your first priority is to make more space on that HD. Nothing else can be done until you do.

Cannot recover my iPhoto library from Time Machine backup

Been trying to restore my iPhoto Library but the restore fails with the following error:
"The Finder cannot completer the operation because some data in "iPhoto Library" could not be read or written. (Error code -36).
I am trying to restore it after iPhoto "lost" all the images, even though I can see that everything is still there. Before I decided to try this, I tried all the usual stuff like rebuilding the thumbnail library, ets, etc. Nothing seems to work
This is very frustrating to say the least.

Did you try rebuilding the library using iPhoto Library Manager. Heres' how:
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 .
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 versions) 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. There are versions that are compatible with iPhoto 5, 6, 7 and 8 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. 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: The new rebuild option in iPhoto 09 (v. 8.0.2), Rebuild the iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup" makes this tip obsolete.

Restoring iPhoto Library from Time Machine Backup

Hi,
My iTunes collection and iPhoto library live on an external HD. A week or so ago that external HD failed. Thankfully I have been using TimeMachine to back up to another external HD. Yesterday, I went into TimeMachine, clicked TimeMachine Backups in the TimeMachine Finder and restored my iTunes library to a location on a new external HD. Once the copy was complete, I opened iTunes and all was well. I tried this same process with iPhoto and it didn't not work. iPhoto keeps giving me the message that my iPhoto library is in use by another application or I need to upgrade. I tried holding down the Option key to select the library on my new external HD and that didn't work. I also tried option + command and the option to restore from an automatic backup in iPhoto automatically crashes iPhoto. Then, I launched iPhoto Library Manager and it said my DB file was missing. What's the right process to restore my iPhoto library from a TimeMachine backup (external HD to external HD)?
Thanks!

It is an option. You can overwrite or keep both when you restore
LN

Can I clone and time machine backup on the same external drive?

I recently purchased a WD 2 TB external usb drive. I want to make sure that I have good backups in case my Macbook decides to give up on me. Should I clone a copy of HD or just time machine backup? Can i do both on one external hd?

RobCob wrote:
I'm honestly only concerned about my photos and music.
You can Manually Backup your iPhoto Library and your iTunes Library to an External Drive without addition Software.
How to correctly move your media:
iTunes: How to move the library to an EHD
Early iPhoto: How to move the Library to an EHD
iPhoto '11: Move your iPhoto library to a new location
iMovie: How to move the Library to an EHD
It is important that the External Hard Drive is formatted as Mac OS Extended (journaled).

Airport Extreme and Time Machine backups using a USB drive

Hi there,
I checked through the threads/FAQ's for an answer to this but couldn't find anything...
I have an AE set up with a USB drive attached as my Time Machine backup drive. When I start my MBP up and initiate a forced backup, Time Machine will go and find my drive (via the AE), mount it and carry out the backup without a problem. However, if I start my MBP up and wait for the scheduled hourly backup, TM doesn't see the drive (or perform the backup) unless I go and manually mount the drive first.
I realise I can put the drive in my login items to auto mount on boot but I wondered if there was a way to get the scheduled backups to work without doing this (as with the forced backups).
Thanks

mattschenker wrote:
Pondini,
Actually, I wasn't thinking about theft. I was just thinking that for security in a possible data-loss "event," it was better to have the backup drive physically separated from the main computer. But maybe that's not necessary.
That's unlikely. A power surge could take out both your Mac and connected external HD. You do have your Macs on good surge protectors or, better yet, U.P.S. systems, right? If not, see [Using a U.P.S. System with a Mac|http://web.me.com/pondini/AppleTips/UPS.html].
But wherever the external HD is, unless it's on a surge protector or U.P.S., it's still exposed.
Other things causing data loss are even less likely to affect your Time Machine drive (especially if there's no other data on it).
Yes, I could hook something up to my Mac Mini. Good point! And that would really keep it separated, since it would be in an entirely different floor. But then again, Time Machine backups done wirelessly would probably take forever.
The first one, yes. But if you have a good WIFI connection, subsequent ones shouldn't take too long or be too obtrusive, except when you've updated a lot of data (like installing an OSX update).
See #22 in [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum), for setup instructions.
But this just shows that there are a lot of options.
Yes.
I do wish Apple would solve the problem of Time Machine working via the Airport Extreme. That would be my favorite option.
Not likely. Time Machine's been out since Leopard, about 3 years, and backups via an Extreme have never been reliable or supported. Just why they work well on a Time Capsule, or even a USB drive connected to a TC, but not an Airport, is a mystery, but that's the way it is.
But it's always a good idea to keep secondary backups. See #27 in [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum), for some suggestions.

Why can't I restore my iphoto library from Time Machine backup?

Hi, My Library mysteriously disappeared from my HD but I located it in Time Machine. However, every time I try to restore, after spending a while 'preparing to copy' I get a the following message: "The operation can't be completed because you don't have permission to access [file name]. I have full access rights to the file... I have tried doing a straight copy and paste from my back up folder - with the same result. I did close iphoto while trying this exercise, again, this didn't help... I would be grateful for some advice as to how to persuade the system to all me to restore this precious file of 171GB, which has 10 years of pics in it! Many thanks.

It's a normal issue. See > http://pondini.org/TM/E9.html

IPhoto, iTunes, and Time Machine

I have a late 2009 Mac Mini running Mavericks. The Mini has a 200gb drive. Is it better to have iPhoto, iTunes and Time Machine on an external hard drive? I understand it doesn't matter where the location is as long as you have adequate drive space. That is not what I am asking. Another words, you have a separate external drives for EACH one. Does it make sense to have separate drives for iPhoto, iTunes and TM. All of these external drives plugged into the Mini. I am thinking of the recovery as well as if one drive crashes then you are not dead in water,
I am thinking this way because iPhoto alone can get fairly large as well as iTunes. It makes sense to me to have separate drives for each one. Anyone else have this type of setup at home?

Thanks for the response. I understand that I would need a backup of all three drives. However, I was asking if it is better to have your iPhoto and iTunes libraries on separate drives versus using 1 large drive to hold the data. The other point, iPhoto and iTunes can get fairly large in size over time. So, do you use 1 large external drive or use 2 separate drives. Obviously, I know that when a drive crashes, you may or may not be able to recover any data off of it. Obviously, I know that you need a backup of the drives in case of drive failure.
I would like to know if other Apple users have separate drives for iPhoto, iTunes and TM? If so, which manufacturer are you using?

Opening iPhoto from a time machine backup

Is it possible to open the iPhoto application from a time machine backup? Here is my problem and what I am trying to do:
I created a sample book (prior to an actual book) to practice with some settings--photos, layouts, fonts, backgrounds, etc. Then I deleted it by accident. I am grateful that it was just a practice book. But I wanted to use it as a reference for my real book. I would like to open iPhoto from my time machine backup of earlier today, however when I click the iPhoto app from the backup all I get is the information about iPhoto and can not open it. I definitely do not want to restore iPhoto, but is there a way I can open iPhoto to access this sample book information from my backup? Thanks for any info.
LHM

Thanks LN,
OK, so if I want to restore a previous iPhoto backup to an external drive (or even to the desktop) how do I do that? I don't see how to choose a different location and I am afraid I am going to mess up my original. I tried restoring and "keeping both", and my original iPhoto was labeled as the original and right next to it appeared an iPhoto folder that did not have the iPhoto library. I moved it to my desktop. All it has in it is a contents folder with a bunch of things I don't understand. When I did this I did not see a way to select a different location. It automatically placed this new iPhoto (folder previously described) in my applications folder. If you can walk me through how to accomplish this I would appreciate it. If not, it is not worth taking the chance that I will mess up my beautifully functioning iPhoto library. Thanks!
LHM

How do i retrieve photos from iphoto on a time machine backup?

how do i retrieve photos from iphoto on a time machine backup?

To restore the entire library do the following:
For a single photo you need to know the file name? If so you can extract photos one at a time out of the TM backups for import into iPhoto. You would do it as follows:
1 - download and launch Find Any File.
2 - select the Time Machine external hard drive.
3 - enter the file name and search. It will take longer than a normal search due to the nature of the Time Machine structure, maybe up to 1 miinute.
4 - select the file that is in the Masters or Originals folder in the search results window and drag to the Desktop where it can be imported into iPhoto:

Permissions Error message trying to restore iPhoto Library from Time Machine

I've tried several times to restore my iPhoto library from Time Machine. After 45 min. when it's almost finished, I get an error "The operation can't be completed because you don't have permission to access "iPhoto Library". Anyone know how to fix this?

Hi, and welcome to the forums.
Connect to the TC via Ethernet cable if at all possible.
Try repairing your backups, per #A5 in [Time Machine - Troubleshooting|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/Troubleshooting.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of this forum).

Can't reload iPhoto library from Time Machine

I ran into a problem with my iPhoto library this morning. I deleted it in its entirely, emptied iPhoto trash and then the general trash. When I tried to reinstall the iPhoto library from Time Machine, I was informed there was not sufficient free space on my hard drive to do so. I have a 500 GB hard drive and dumped over 4,000 pictures, yet had only 6 GB of space reported on my hard drive when I went to reload the library from Time Machine. I can't see how this is possible. I had sufficient space for the original library before I trashed it. According to the Information under File, I have pretty much the same amount of free space on my computer as I had before I dumped the library. I have run utilities (OnyX and Apple utilities). They identify no disk problems or problems of any kind. I've scanned for viruses. There are none. Does anyone have any ideas about what I can do to restore my library other than buy a new computer?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Computer: early 2008
Software: OSX 10.9.5

Reboot and check the free space again. If still at 6 GB Boot into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down), select Disk Utility and repair both the disk permissions and disk. Reboot normally and check again.
Lastly you may have to reindex your hard drive: Spotlight: How to re-index folders or volumes - Apple

Iphoto library and time machine backup on a same drive ?

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