Lost Titles and Keywords during Importation from older Mac

Question

I have a brand new MacBook. The Apple store where I bought it transferred all my files from my old iBook G4 to the new machine. BUT . . . most of the 3000 photos in my old iPhoto (Vers. 5.0.4) file omitted all of the keywords and most of the titles during the transfer to iPhoto (Vers. 6.0.6). I think the shop used Migration Assistant for the transfer.
I have tried 4 times to re-transfer, using Apples recommended method of "Import to Library . . ." using a firewire connection. But I have no better luck than did the Apple shop: most titles and all keywords missing.
The importation also gave me something that I really don't want: The Original of every photo that I ever modified in the past now shows up in the Library. I guess it is important to have the originals stored somewhere, but why aren't they in a hidden file somewhere -- not right up there demanding attention every time I use iPhoto?
I've been a Mac user since the beginning of time, but am now wondering (especially in view of the thousands of questions from other users as bewildered as I) if Apple hasn't gotten themselves into the category of "If you are smart enough to do it, you are too smart to try it". Should I just forget iPhoto, and put all of my photos into folders of my own creation, and manually copy all titles and keywords from my old Mac while I still have access to it?
Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions.
MacBook Mac OS X (10.4.9) Brand New
MacBook   Mac OS X (10.4.9)   Brand New

Answer 1

fwheby
First off, there is no part of this process that involves using the 'import to library' function. If you want to do this, you'll be creating a new library and will lose your titles and keywords.
The job is to get the iPhoto Library Folder from the old machine to the new machine.
When you applied BatchMod, did you tick the box to apply to enclosed folders?
Assuming that you did, then we're into file management issues. The usual things that prevent copying are File Permissions (and you've sorted that) or a damaged file.
We'll try an copy the library over piecemeal, and see if we can track down the errant file. This is tricky, as we need to recreate the library exactly or the library won't work.
On the New Machine Create a Folder in the Pictures Folder and call it iPhoto Library Folder.
From the old Library, copy all the ancillary files - just the files, anything not in a folder.
If they work, start moving through your Year Folders. If one doesn't copy, leave it and go on to the next one.
Then, repeat the process until you discover the problem file(s) or folder(s) - it'll be one that won't copy.
Remember, it is vital to make an exact copy of the iPhoto Library Folder on the new machine.
Post back when you've got this done.
Regards
TD