Lost pictures.. forever?

yikes!
i seem to have lost all the pictures in my pictures folder, including all the ones in the iphoto library,
this happened when i created a new user account, and what a surprise, neither of the two accounts have my pictures in them
i should've backed up.. too late
is there any special software that i can purchase or download to get them back?

Mikey:this happened when i created a new user account, and what a surprise, neither of the two accounts have my pictures in themCreating a new user account should not destroy any data, only if you chose to delete the account in which you had the photos and chose not to save the user data from the deleted account.
How large was the file that included that photos?
Have you noticed any significant change in the available space on your HDD?
Have you checked the main Users Folder? (Double click on the HDD icon. Open the folder Users). Are there any more than the two accounts than you are aware of?
In response to your query about recovery software they are generally useful only when files have been deleted. If you just "lost" the files in the process of creating a new user, I am not sure if any of them will be of much help. In any case, here are a three of them.
FileSalvage
DataRescue II
Virtual Lab
You can also try software like Omni Disk Sweeper which scans the entire volume and lists all files/folders.
Good luck.
cornelius

Similar Messages

  • I have lost pictures in iPhoto, but I can see them in the data folder, except they are only thumbnail size.  They will not open at regular size and are showing unreadable in the "originals" folder.  I've rebuilt and nothing is restoring these pics.

    I have lost pictures in my iPhoto.  We moved my iPhoto to a external hard drive and I believe since then, I have random pics missing.  Some pics will show up in the "photos" and some show with a title and a blank picture.  When I click on "package contents" in iPhoto, I have found the "Originals" folder where all the pics are pulling from and the file is there but won't open.  However, in the DataXML folder under package contents, I can open the file but it is much smaller (supposed to be 1 MG, but showing in the data folder as 63kb).  How can I get these pics restored in the Originals folder?  I've rebuilt the library several times and I just ran the iPhoto Library Manager and it won't pull from the data file.  Help!!

    Make a temporary, backup copy (if you don't already have a backup copy) of the library and apply the two fixes below in order as needed:
    Fix #1
    Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.
    Select the options identified in the screenshot. 
    Fix #2
    Using iPhoto Library Manager  to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library
    Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.
    Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.
    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
    In the next  window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.
    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.
    OT

  • When I tried to update my iPhone 5s to iOS 8.1, I was forced to choose to restore or back up.  Back up wasn't working so I had no choice but to restore.  I lost pictures over the last two years.  Cloud and iTunes backup are not working for me.  Help!

    How can I retrieve photos when it says my cloud and iTunes backups are empty or not backed up?
    When I tried to update my iPhone 5s to iOS 8.1, I was forced to choose to restore or back up.  Back up wasn't working so I had no choice but to restore.  I lost pictures over the last two years.  When I tried my cloud, there was nothing.  I would get notifications that my cloud was full, but I thought there would at least be some photos in there.  When I tried to restore a back up, it said the last time was two years ago.  I thought when you're on wifi, it automatically backs up.  I've charged my iPhone into my Macbook a bunch of times, so something should have backed up.  Is there any hope for my photos?

    Sorry no backup - no pictures.
    Yes phone will automatically backup to icloud when on wifi and phone is charge, but your phone storage was full so it stop backing up.
    Back up and restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch using iCloud or iTunes - Apple Support
    iCloud: iCloud storage and backup overview
    When your phone was connected to your computer, you should've seen an autoplay which would've allowed you to import your pics to your computer as you would a digital camera Import photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your Mac or Windows PC - Apple Support

  • I was warned and I went straight to the site and they were gone.  I didnt was any time. Either way, there should be a way to either store or restore such items. Have you ever lost pictures that were so important to you that you couldnt sleep or eat for...

    I was warned and I went straight to the site and they were gone.  I didnt was any time. Either way, there should be a way to either store or restore such items. Have you ever lost pictures that were so important to you that you couldnt sleep or eat for some time. I have and it wasnt fun. I'm glad that you were able to get yours unlike some of us.

    I am still wondering why iTunes tries to confuse me every time I try to make changes in my preferences, telling me that I "don't have enough permissions", although I am the administrator.
    That's clearly a fault. Whether it's an iTunes problem or a Windows problem I can't say at this time. If you search the Using iTunes for Windows forum for "permissions", you should find threads that can help you sort out this problem.
    Then, changes to the format are not obvious, and I get no notice that I am burning music files as data.
    If you click on a playlist and look at the lower-right of the iTunes window, it says right there what format it will use to burn the playlist.

  • I have a new iPhone and have kept my old one to play music in another room, when i recently updated my new iPhone it has backed up to my old iPhone and I have therefore lost pictures, messages etc from my new phone how can I get it all back?

    I have a new iPhone and have kept my old one to play music in another room.  I have recently updated my software on the new iPhone and when it backed up it backed up to the old iPhone, I have therefore lost pictures, messages and apps from my new iPhone as it has backed up to the last session of the old phone, how can I get all my new stuff back and stop it from happening again?

    BarnsleyMif wrote:
    I have recently updated my software on the new iPhone and when it backed up it backed up to the old iPhone
    No such thing has occurred.  iPhones do not backup to one another.
    It is not possible to backup a different iPhone from the one being updated.
    If the iPhone was restored with a backup from a different device, restore it again from the correct backup.
    BarnsleyMif wrote:
    how can I get all my new stuff back and stop it from happening again?
    Pay attention when restoring the iPhone and select the correct backup to restore from.

  • How do i retrieve lost pictures, ie camera roll- after updating my ipad to IOS8.3

    how do i retrieve lost pictures, ie camera roll- after updating my ipad to IOS8.3

    Hi dreamafrombartow,
    I hope you are able to get your pictures back. Do you have a backup anywhere else?
    I did find a couple articles that may help with your recovery.
    If you need help restoring an iCloud backup
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4036
    iCloud: Troubleshooting missing information after restoring an iOS device
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4605
    Best regards,
    Nubz

  • Problems by moving folders - lost pictures

    Using LR 4.4 on OS X 10.7.5
    I have transferred some folders from my internal drive to an external (FW) drive. Whereas most of the transfer worked fine, I had the following problems:
    - one folder (at least) completely disappeared from LR. The files were moved to the new HDD (I can see them in Finder), an empty folder remains in LR under the "old" drive and there is nothing in LR at the new position.
    - an empty structure remained at the location of the old files
    - on some folders, I had the message "could not complete the folder move..." and only part of the pictures (or none at all) were moved.
    I am at a lost and quite disappointed by the whole process...

    It's ok, there is no damage in term of lost pictures. They are still somewhere to be found in the Finder. They just disappeared from LR (and yes, I have backups if needed ;-))
    I would just want to be able to correctly move everything within LR and still see all my files in the catalog without needing to import them again (and thus loosing the processing, ...)

  • When sync phone I selected restore and lost pictures can I get them back?

    When I sync'ed my new phone I selected restore by mistake and lost the pictures. It kept the pictures from my old phone. Can I get the lost pictures back?

    try to restore back to some other point of backup.

  • How can I retrieve lost pictures on my ipad

    How can I retrieve lost pictures on my iPad?

    Did you delete the pics, or you just can't find them on your iPad?
    If you deleted them, they are gone as there is no Trash Can or Recycke Bin. If you have a backup, retrieve the pics from your backup.
     Cheers, Tom

  • Find lost pictures

    clicked on photo icon to discover 3000+ lost pictures, iPod was not backed up, any suggestions?

    - If they are in an iPod backup then restore from that backup. See the restore topic of:
    iOS: How to back up 
    you said no backup
    - If you used PhotoStream then try getting them from your PhotoStream. See that topic of:
    iOS: Importing personal photos and videos from iOS devices to your computer
    Otherwise they are lost.

  • With update of iOS 8 lost pictures and numbers...where did they go?

    With update of iOS 8 lost pictures and numbers...where did they go?

    If the pictures are still on your phone, they may be in a different location as the camera roll and photo stream albums were removed in iOS 8.  This explains the new photos locations: Get help finding your Photos in iOS 8.
    Don't know about your numbers.  If you mean your contacts, if they were syncing with iCloud check iCloud.com to see if they are sill there.

  • Lost pictures in JPEG.

    Lost pictures in JPEG.  pictures in raw files ok.  Never moved pictures to revel. JPEG shows broken file.  Search on computer shows old file with no pitures.  Did not move pictures since I never put anywhere but on my computer I didnt think I had to.  Elements 8.  thanks

    If the jpegs are still on your hard drive try importing again to Organizer.
    Otherwise you can create new jpegs from the raw files.

  • H! Am I able to recover lost pictures on my iphone5 even if I reset my phone?

    Hello,
    May I recover lost pictures on my iphone5 when I reset it- all pictures are gone!

    Only way to recover your photos is if you perform a backup in either itunes or icloud. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766
    If you been importing yoru pics to your computer then you can sync it back using itunes http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4236

  • Lost pictures and contacts with last update of iPhone 6 to 8.1.2

    Lost pictures and contacts with last update of iPhone 6

    MMy iPhone was synced with my computer and the cloud. After re syncing, pics and contacts remain in cloud and computer but won't sync to my iPhone. Even my IT guy at work is stumped! I would love to have all my pics and contacts back on my phone. I have not yet updated my iPad d air because I'm afraid the same thing will happen.

  • IPhoto's Pictures Forever Lost – Help!

    Hello to all,
    I am afraid that I have quite a sad and seemingly hopeless story to share with you, upon this cold and dreary Winter's day. My story begins some time ago, when I sold my 20" iMac and upgraded to a brand new 21". You might ask what sadness could be associated with such a splendid upgrade? I will share this and more with you, dear reader, but you must be patient. Well, before I sold my 20" I backed up my entire computer using none other than Apple's very own Time Machine. However, this is where I failed, and this is where my story takes a sad and bitter turn. With my 20" sold and gone, I purchased a 21" from the local classifieds. Oh what a beautiful machine! I eagerly migrated everything over from my backup, and for awhile it seemed I was in technological bliss. Everything was there, my music, my movies, my applications, my photos...huh?...what's this??? One day my wife was looking through some photos in iPhoto and she met the infamous exclamation point. For those who have never encountered this villain, it shows up when your cached thumbnails fail to link back to the actual pictures. I had met this adversary before, and had defeated him. This time however, his villainous plot was far darker than I could have imagined. When my wife showed me, I thought I would be her knight and shining armor and banish the dark exclamation point forever. I opened up the contents of the iPhoto library, and to my shock and dismay, many (actually most) of the originals were gone. I searched for invisible (hidden) files, but still they were missing. How could this be? It seems that Time Machine is the true villain and the exclamation point is only one of its henchmen. I have searched the web for hours, nay even days for help. I have searched my computer to its very frameworks, all to no avail. They are gone...forever. In desperation I called the technical support of my favorite company. Yes, I called Apple. Off the record I was told that Time Machine cannot be trusted for such important things. I was further advised that in the future I actually need to manually copy over my important files such as movies, music, documents, and yes, photos. It seems shameful that a program who's entire purpose is to safeguard your precious data, cannot successfully complete its reason for being. I have long abandoned this failure of a program, and I am now quite happy with Carbon Copy Cloner. But this does not bring back my precious photos. These are irreplaceable. They are those precious times with my wife, my two precious children, and my relatives. I have been told that this is hopeless, that all is lost. Yet, I will not give up. I have come to terms with the fact that the full quality pictures are lost. But I hold out hope that I would be able to somehow get the pictures back (even if they be lower quality) through the cached thumbnails. I have tried taking screenshots, but they are so low quality (only 72dpi). I had seen people use a very high resolution digital camera and take photos of printed pictures, instead of scanning them in, so I thought this might work. The pictures are just too blurry when I take them of the screen, using a 8MegaPixel Sony camera. I have truly reached the end of my capabilities.
    I send this plea out to all who have a heart, that they will try to help me come up with a viable solution. My wife gets tears in her eyes every time we talk of them possibly never coming back. You will be my hero, and hers if you can come up with some way of using those cached files. I am very willing to listen to suggestions. PLEASE HELP ME.

    Open your iPhoto library with the Finder like this:
    Click to view full size
    Next open the folder named "Masters" and see if the subfolder there contain your image file. If they do, close the library package, make a copy 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 User/Library/Preferences folder.
    2 - delete iPhoto's cache files that are located in the User/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder.
    3 - reboot, launch iPhoto and try again.
    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.
    Fix #2
    Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys depressed and follow the instructions to rebuild the library. Select options #1, #2 and #6.
    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.
    If the subfolders in the Masters folder do not contain your photos you'll either need to have a backup copy of the library that contains the files or use a file recovery application like SubrosaSoft FileSalvage to try to recover them.
    In the future it's best to use paragraphs in your post to separate information and make it easier to read. Like Terence I gave up on line 3 and this response is based on what I think happened.

Maybe you are looking for