IPhoto: library export to external HD = error message

Hi,
i am trying to export my complete iPhoto library to my external harddisk, but every time i try to copy it i receive the following error message after a while:
The Finder could not complete this operation because some data could not be read or written in "iPhoto Library".
(Error -36)
After this message (appears after approx. 2GB has been copied successfully), the process stops and i can begin from the very beginning. I really don't get the problem. Did the same with iTunes and this was not a problem at all. The library contains about 120 GB photos and videos, free storage is given and HD is compatible with OSX. OSX and iPhoto are running up-to-date.
Does anybody know possible solutions for this issue? would be grate!
Thanks in advance and regards
Daniel

That error code is an I/O (input/output) error. Run Disk Utility and repair the permissions and disk on the EHD. Make sure the external HD is formatted OS X Extended (journaled) with permissions set to be ignored:
Do the following:
1 - launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down to open the First Aid window.
2 - Run Option #1, Repair Permissions.
3 - repeat Step 1 but this time select Option #4, Rebuild Database.
4 - try copying the library to the EHD again.
If that fails this should work:
Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.>Click on the Add Library button,
2 - select the library you want to add from those in the selection window.
3 - make sure that in the rebuild window the checkbox "Scavange orphaned photos" is checked.
4 - now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the Library ➙ Rebuild Library menu option
5 - in the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed, i.e. the EHD. Click on the Create button.
Note 1: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost.
Note 2: Your current library will be left untouched for further attempts at a fix if so desired.

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When restoring an iPhoto library I got an "unexpected error" message and the operation could not be completed. Is my best choice to try again?

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I am always suspicious of using a different OS to the one that was used to run the backup.. ie if you used Snow L to backup then there is absolutely nothing wrong with using SL to restore.
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A5 here. http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html
You might also like to load the widget in Time Machine so you get whatever the full error message is..
I cannot find any reference to the error code you are getting..
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Use the manual methods pondini recommends.
http://pondini.org/TM/FAQ.html
Q16 17
Use ethernet only. Turn off wireless so it does not enter the situation.

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I was trying to move iphoto library to my external hardrive, realised it was incompatible with Mac. The iphoto will not open now, message is "Iphoto library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable". I have read other posts.

Hi,
I was trying to save a copy of my iphoto library by copying images to my external harddrive. I wasn't sure how to do it, realised the hard drive is not compatible. Now the iphoto library wont open and reads "iphoto library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable".
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I have gone to my personal drive, desktop, iphoto library, and found file Albumdata.xml and when i click on it, there is a lot of text in it, i am assuming these are all my photos.
I have tried clicking and dragging this file to iphoto app and it doesn't work, as the same error comes up in iphoto being in use or unreadable....
What am I meant to do with albumdata.xml file and how do I reopen Iphoto from here on in?
Please help as I am not technically minded and still trying to understand how to use the Macbook at all as I am used to Microsoft.
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Exactly how were you trying to save a copy of your iPhoto library?
Albumdata.xml does not contain your photos - and again NEVER make any changes to the content of the iPhoto library - no dragging - no changes - never go into the library
We need to know exactly what you did
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For reference after you get things working
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And be sure that the External drive is formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) (iPhoto does not work with drives with other formats) and that it is always available prior to launching iPhoto
And backup soon and often - having your iPhoto library on an external drive is not a backup and if you are using Time Machine you need to check and be sure that TM is backing up your external drive
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Happy New Year
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Note: There's now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

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OT

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c: Managing Multiple Libraries - including moving pics/albums/rolls and metadata between them - is greatly facilitated by using iPhoto Library Manager

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evf

When you say "drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity to the external drive", do you mean drop and drag the iPhoto applications icon from the task bar, to the external? I tried that and the mouse icon turned into the cloud, as if to delete iPhoto. I am sorry for my very novices skills. Can you please help?
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LN

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I may sound like a real rookie here, but on my new MacBook Air there isn't a "Pictures" folder under "Users/kendallwilson" like there used to be on my old MacBook Pro (Early 2011). I'm still working out the new software on my MB Air, so where exactly should I open this new window to start following the steps you just provided me.
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- What version of the Operating System.
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- Are there error messages?
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Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'
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i am not able to open the iPhoto library from my external HD
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Is theHD directly connected or by a networked connection?
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iPhoto '11 or later: About the Library Upgrader - Apple Support

IPhoto: library export to external HD = error message

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