Lost Photos on iPhoto upgrade

After upgrading to iPhoto '08 ver 7.1.5 on my Mac G4 500 running OS 10.4.11 i find hundreds of my photos gone. The album names are still there but no photos. This is a major loss of several years of my life. Before you could look in the folders to see the years and photos. The new iPhoto file doesn't have that ability. Where did my photos go?

By albums do you mean those in the left hand pane or are you referring the the Events which are the original containers when photos are imported into iPhoto and appear in the right window of iPhoto?
What do you see in the Events? Blank thumbnails? Thumbnails but no large image when you double click on them? I
Your photos (the originals) are probabluy still in the iPhoto library package. It's more like the library database file(s) have been damaged. If you see blank thumbnails try Control-clicking on one of them and selecting "Show Original" in the contextual menu. You will be taken to the original file in the iPhoto library via the Finder. If you find that the original files are there then you know your photos are safe.
Backup the library and try the three fixes below in order as needed:
Fix #1
1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your Home/Library/Preferences folder.
NOTE: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding the the Option key. You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.
2 - delete iPhoto's cache files that are located in the Home/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder.
Fix #2
Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select last three options.
Click to view full size
Fix #3
Rebuild the library using iPhoto Library Manager as follows:
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 left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.

Similar Messages

Could I have lost photos when I upgraded to 9.2?

Could I have lost photos when I upgraded to 9.2? I seem to be missing random photos after updating.

Sure - things happen - that is whay you always make a backup prior to an update or upgrade
Maybe with more information someone could give more help
LN

How do I recover lost photos in iPhoto?

How do I recover lost photos in iPhoto? Instead of photos I have dotted borders or, in a few cases white boxes.

You could try rebuilding the database ...
Launch iPhoto while holding down the Command + Option keys.
The Photo Library First Aid window should open.
Select: Repair Database
Click: Repair
If that doesn't help, open the Finder. From the Finder menu bar click Go > Go to Folder
Type or copy paste the following:
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.iPhoto.plist
Click Go then move the com.apple.iPhoto.plist file to the Trash.
Quit and relaunch iPhoto.
If that doesn't help, copy paste the following:
~/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto/Cache.db
Click Go then move the Cache.db file to the Trash.
Quit and relaunch iPhoto.
If you do not currently have a wawy to backup your iPhoto library, you need to do that so that you can recover your photos in the event of a hard drive problem.
Help here > Mac Basics: Time Machine
message edited by: cs

Lost Photos on iPhoto 09 upgrade

Hello,
Sorry if this is redundant, just upgraded to iphoto 09 from 08. Seems I've lost almost all of our photos with the upgrade. I don't see them in our previous library folder or anywhere on the HD for that matter. Hopefully I'm not looking in the correct place. Most are backed up on cd, but not all. Can I recover them somehow? Any help would be appreciated.
I upgraded from Tiger to Snow Leopard yesterday, then added the iLife package tonight. I Should have backed up the photos prior, but I didn't think. Any help?

Macblaque
I cannot restore the old Library, it says the iPhoto Library was created with a newer version of iPhoto and asks me to upgrade my iPhoto.
What is going on???
Where are you restoring from? Time Machine? Another back up utility?
This message is often a symptom of a damaged database file:
Option 1
Back Up and try rebuild the library: hold down the command and option (or alt) keys while launching iPhoto. Use the resulting dialogue to rebuild. Choose to Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
If that fails:
Option 2
Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords, faces and places back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
Regards
TD

How can I find a group of lost photos from iPhoto?

When a recent Mac OS X update was installed on my computer which included the new Photo App, my iPhoto upgraded to this new app and was replaced by it on my desktop. In beginning to use the new Photo App, I discovered that it did not have the same editing functions as my iPhoto did. I decided then to go back to iPhoto, but when I opened up my iPhoto I realized in my album list that I had lost about a year’s worth of photos all the way back to the middle of 2013. I then decided to restore my computer to an earlier time using Time Machine so that hopefully my iPhoto would be restored with all of its photos. I went ahead and did this and had to do a rebuild of my iPhoto library to recover the lost photos. When I did this, I was not aware, that I had still lost some other photos out of albums from early September 2014. Before I was aware of this, I also erased my external hard drive and then did a backup because I kept getting messages in my computer that the computer could not do additional back up’s because there was not room on the external hard drive.
Earlier today, I tried to retrieve some photos out of albums from that. In early September 2014 and found that the album listed the photo number but there was no thumbnail and when I clicked on the photo it just brought up a silver triangle on black with an exclamation point in the middle indicating that that photo could not be found. I did a command option press and opened up iPhoto and I completed all of the various rebuilding and restoring options all the way up to and including restored iPhoto database. When I had completed all of this I found that I was still missing those photos, several hundred. I am wondering if these photos are still on my hard drive someplace. I could not restore them from the external hard drive because I had erased earlier backup versions, as I indicated. Is it possible for me to find and restore these photos? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.-MP

You created a mess and there is no solution - with the actions you have taken those photos are gone unless you have access to them from some other source - they existed in two place - in your iPhoto library and on your backup drive - you have traded the backup drive and restore an earlier iPhoto library so all you have is what you have
LN

Lost photos after iPhoto library rebuild - what happened?

After noticing that there were albums entitled Recovered photos in my iPhoto library, I deleted those albums. As expected, i got a message that i was not really deleting the originals, just getting rid of such albums. There were about 5 of those "recovered albums": one contained about 30 photos; three had zero and another had over 1000 photos. Subsequent to that, thinking of making this library totally clean, I decided to do a "libraty rebuild" using the option-command rebuild procedure of iphoto. I checked all the options presented for that procedure. To my surprise, when the process was finished I had less events, and less photos. A careful visual check of the display pane of events and photos confirmed that i had lost actual photos. I tried to reclaim those lost photos with another rebuild -- this time using iphoto library manager, but without success. What happened? Is there any way to reclaim those lost photos?
I do have a backup, but would prefer to correct the problem in the original library to avoid having to assemble and clean up duplicates that i had before.
I'm using the newest version of iPhoto: 8.1 and OS X 10.5.8 on a MacBook 2.4 Ghz - 2Gb Ram - 250 GB HD, 42 GB available. My iPhoto library has over 12000 photos

Why these things happen is always difficult to answer. My experience with iPhoto is using it since v1 on with a single library that's upgraded each new versions and migrated from G4 iMac to G5 iMac to Intel iMac and then a second Intel iMac. I load photos in, my wife does and my 12 year old does too.
And never had a problem.
The database gets corrupted when the app is interrupted when writing to it. The usual causes of this include a crash, a force quit or a lost connection to the Library on an external disk. More rarely minor disk or directory damage might be a cause.
I wondered when I read your report
Subsequent to that, thinking of making this library totally clean, I decided to do a "libraty rebuild" using the option-command rebuild procedure of iphoto. I checked all the options presented for that procedure.
The options presented for that procedure include various items that require the app to read the database file plus this one
Rebuild iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup.
+I Wonder+ - I stress, I wonder, no more - if reading to rebuild various thumbnails from a file that is being vacuumed +while at the same time+ is being replaced by a backup is what caused the issue.
If it is, then the Rebuild from Back Up option should be sandboxed and not possible while the other events are going on.
But that's just a guess.
Regards
TD

Lost photos in iPhoto? Please help?

My mac: OS X 10.8.2
My iphoto: iphoto '11 version 9.4.2
I uploaded some photos from my Canon eos 50D to iphoto. They were there that day, I was able to send a few to my friends and even watched the slideshow. So, they were definitely there.
However, today I checked the album again and they are gone.And funny how only 1 photo is left.
I checked the Masters folder and it's true that only that 1 photo is left in that folder.
I saw some other discussion about iphoto lost Canon photos.
Here are a few things I think may cause the problem:
     - I copied the iphoto library to a portable hard-drive ( WD elements ). When I connect the Canon camera to my Mac, I import the photos in the library that is IN that USB. I even remembered import the photos in my Mac, then copy that album in the USB, then delete the original album on mac from the Trash folder. Does this permanently delete those?
     - I remembered reset the date on my camera. Does this make the previous photos change somehow, and iphoto couldn't recognize them by dates?
     - I do have back up on Time Machine, but I can't restore those lost photos using the back up.
Thank anyone if you can help me with this problem

There are 9 different versions of iPhoto and they run on 9 different versions of the Operating System. The tricks and tips for dealing with issues vary depending on the version of iPhoto and the version of the OS. So to get help you need to give as much information as you can. Include things like:
- What version of iPhoto.
- What version of the Operating System.
- Details. As full a description of the problem as you can. For example, if you have a problem with exporting, then explain by describing how you are trying to export, and so on.
- History: Is this going on long? Has anything been installed or deleted? - Are there error messages?
- What steps have you tried already to solve the issue.
- Anything unusual about your set up? Or how you use iPhoto?
Anything else you can think of that might help someone understand the problem you have.

How to get back lost photos on iPhoto?

I was trying to format new hard drive and somehow i have lost my photos on iPhoto. Will I be able to get them back. I haven't back them up on Time Machine.

If your REALLY lucky, open iPhoto and try command Z for each photo. This is a LLLLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNgGGGGG shot.

Updting iweb/crashes/iphoto also crashed & lost photos/iweb & iphoto probs.

Can someone please help me....... I updated my iwebsite this morning by adding a blog (only 5 blogs in total on site) and importing a photo from iphoto plus changing a couple of words on a photo page.
I then published which was fine.
I then went to do an additional change and publish.
A grey screen came down on the screen followed by 'restart computer' panel in 3 languages.
I restarted to find that iweb would not open and that all photos in iphoto had disappeared.
I then spent over an hour on the 'phone with the applecare protection plan customer help - we rebooted, went into an alternate account and did various other things but I was told the photos were lost and that I should reinstall iweb.
I noticed that the iphoto info still showed 602 mb (aperture shows 305 & this application is fine). Having gone through all my programmes I have now found all my photo files in Adobe Bridge.
1.Can anyone advise how I can import these back into iphoto. (Fortunately most were backed up - just the last week's work wasn't and individual files for an exhibition)
2. Can anyone advise what to do re iweb reinstallation and importing the saved iwebsite back in.
Sorry this is longwinded - should have done this in the first place rather than go to the apple care centre which hasn't resolved issue.
A big thank-you for any help or advice (I'm not a techy but can follow clear instructions!!)
Cheers
G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4) iphoto 6.06(322) iweb purchased seperately/not packaged
G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4)

If you look in your Pictures folder you should find the iPhoto Library folder. Check inside for an Originals folder and confirm that it contains your full sized image files. If so then you'll have to start afresh with a new library and import your photos from the old library as follows:
Creating a new library while preserving the rolls from the original.
Move the existing library folder to the desktop.
Launch iPhoto and, when asked, select the option to create a new library.
Drag the Originals folder from the desktop into the open iPhoto window.
This will create a new library with the same rolls as the original library. However dates on the rolls may be different but can be edited as you would the roll title.
Once this is completed you can delete the Originals folder from the desktop and the iPhoto Llibrary folder. If desired, you can keep the older library folder to try other fixes on it.
In the future I recommend you make a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto file after each import and after doing a lot of editing and organizing in the library. Then if you experience a similar crash all you need to do is replace the damaged database file with the backup copy and you'll be back to the same place in the library as when you make the backup. See the tip at the end of my signature.
As for iWeb, locate the User/Library/Application Support/iWeb folder and look inside. Is there only one .sites file in there. If there is more than one Control-click on the largest and select the "Show Package Contents" option in the contextual menu. Check to see if the files used to build your site are there. If so move the other file out of the folder and make sure the file is named Domain.sites. Then try opening it with iWeb.
To prevent iPhoto from this again check out this tip:
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. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

Lost photos from iphoto library

I backed up my iphoto library from my old macbook to an external hard drive and now imported it to my new imac. When I open iphoto all thumbnails show up, but when I click on a photo a black picture with an exclamation mark shows up. Some photos open fine, most won't.
I tried rebuilding iphoto with iphoto's own rebuild and with iphoto library manager, both with same results: only 2000 of my 9000 photos showed up!
I did have a problem when first time trying to move files from the external hard drive - Lacie 1tb usb- once it was unplugged without first being ejected, and also it made my computer crash few times and I had to reboot the imac. I suspect this had something to do with the lost photos.
Is there a way to get these photos back?

Welcome to the Apple Discussions.
The photos should still be in the library package file.
You may need to start over with a new Library:
Try these in order - from best option on down...
1. Do you have an up-to-date back up? If so, try copy the library6.iphoto file from the back up to the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) allowing it to overwrite the damaged file.
2. Download iPhoto Library Manager and use its rebuild function. This will create a new library based on data in the albumdata.xml file. Not everything will be brought over - no slideshows, books or calendars, for instance - but it should get all your albums and keywords back.
Because this process creates an entirely new library and leaves your old one untouched, it is non-destructive, and if you're not happy with the results you can simply return to your old one.
3. If neither of these work then you'll need to create and populate a new library.
To create and populate a new *iPhoto 08* library:
Note this will give you a working library with the same Events and pictures as before, however, you will lose your albums, keywords, modified versions, books, calendars etc.
Move the iPhoto Library to the desktop
In the iPhoto Preferences -> Events Uncheck the box at 'Imported Items from the Finder'
Launch iPhoto. It will ask if you wish to create a new Library. Say Yes.
Go into the iPhoto Library (Right Click -> Show Package Contents) on your desktop and find the Originals folder. From the Originals folder drag the individual Event Folders to the iPhoto Window and it will recreate them in the new library.
Regards
TD
When you're sure all is well you can delete the iPhoto Library on your desktop.

Lost Photos in iPhoto 11

Whilst I imported new photos and whilst I identified faces (which is also adding photos) I lost a major part of the photos. Some 20'000 miniatures are still avalable but only about 12'000 originals are available or accessible. It is strange that a part of the photos which are originated in 2010 to 2012 are lost or no more accessible. The originals of the older photos are almost completelly available. The file size of the version which counts 20'000 photos is 41 Gigabyte whilst the rebuilt file shows 12'000 photos and has a size of 34 Gigabytes. It seems that in fact more photos are (still) in the file but no more accessible. I already used the program iPhoto Library Manager. As you can see on the picture below, complete events are lost as well (or no more accessible).
Because of this problem, I am reluctant to continue to manage photos using iPhoto.

Don't use iPhoto if you don't want to. It's not compulsory. Did you have a question?

Tip for Finding Lost Photos from iPhoto

Wow, what a surprise. After rebuilding my library and still not finding my lost photos, I installed Picasa for Mac, and voila, it found every photo on my hard drive I'd ever done and in warp speed! I couldn't believe it, I had just about given up! It was easy then to transfer them to iPhoto which I am much more familiar with for editing and emailing.

Bonnie,
thanks for your answer here about picasa which I have downloaded and watching all my images flash by. And I think I am through with iphoto. The hours I have spent every time it decides not to open and even all the hints here about rebuilding etc. nothing was useful or it was for one or two times. I'll just have to get used to picasa. I am sure the time will be better spent there than hours lost like today. I wanted to add pictures to a pages document only to find iphoto library empty and the one I had copied stopped at 2010. I am a photographer so you know I've done lots since 2010. You are a lifesaver. Much gratitude for you.

Lost photo library after upgrade to Lion -- please help me find it?

I have just upgraded to Lion, and started setup for iCloud.
I can't find my photo library on my Mac.
I tried upgrading to iPhoto 9.2, but the install didn't work -- got stuck on "searching for photos"
The photos do appear in iPhoto, but not in the library?
My backups on a separate hard disk may be ok, but I thought the library used to have the list of photos. All I can see is the icon. I hesitate to open anything, as I don't want to lose all of my photos....
Please advise.

The photos do appear in iPhoto, but not in the library?
Please explain. iPhoto displays photos from the iPhoto library - if you have photos in iPhoto then you have an iPhoto library
Are you trying to access your photos? You do not do that directly into the iPhoto library - that has never been a support access method - you use the media browser
What exactly are you trying to do?
LN

Accessing old photos after iPhoto upgrade

I just installed the iPhoto upgrade and when iPhoto opened, all of my old photos/albums were gone. Is there any way I can access these photos? Please help!!

We can not see you and you have to provide details and context
Is OS X 10.9.5 as you state correct for your OS? What version of iphoto did you have? What version did you upgrade to? What does "gone mean"? A new, empty library like n original install? Blanks were photos should be? what exactly are you seeing? Provide any exact error messages too
LN

Lost photos on iphoto

I was editing some downloaded photos in iphoto (large jpeg files from a nikon D7000) when I got the spending wheel. The program close and got the dreaded window that the program terminated due to a problem. When I open iphoto back up that and two other files where gone. Can I retrieve these pics and the enhancements made to them?

This is your friend .... good luck
http://www.macroplant.com/iexplorer/
pull photos movies off before you start risky syncing

Lost Photos on iPhoto upgrade

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