IPhoto library still 20GB in size, but only shows 500 photos in iPhoto

HELP!
My iPhoto library (which is placed on an external HDD) is about 20GB in size. Unfortunately, everytime I open iPhoto now it has forgotten about 9,500 photos. I know that they are still there due to the size of the file, but iPhoto will not read all of them. If I create a new library and import the old one in to the program all photos are recovered but I lose all of my albums both on the computer and online. Any suggestions?!!?

John:
Welcome to the Apple Discussions. It sounds like there was an interruption of some sort, maybe between the external HD and the computer, when accessing the library and the library's database file, Library6.iPhoto, has been damaged.
You can try rebuilding the library as follows: launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select the first three options.
If that doesn't resurrect the library you may have to start over with a new library and import just the Originals folder from the old library as follows:
Creating a new library while preserving the Events from the original library.
Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
Open the library package like this.
Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
Drag the Originals folder from the iPhoto Library on the desktop into the open iPhoto window.
This will create a new library with the same Events as the original library if you have the Finder checkbox unchecked in the Events preference pane.
To recover from similar problems in the future see the tip at the end of my signature below.
Happy Holidays
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 created 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 and Leopard. 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.

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