Thumbnails but no originals in iPhoto library

I thought I backed up my library using time machine to an external drive but all I see are thumbnails & when I click on one a big question mark comes up instead of the full size original. I tried rebuilding the library from the external drive but now even the thumbnails are gone, even though when I search for the file it shows up in spotlight. I deleted files & then emptied the trash when my startup disc was full. Is it still possible the originals are there? How can I see where all the thumbnails are located? If I've lost the originals I'd still like to have the thumbnails all in one place. Thank you! Mac

Sorry but I have not idea what you have done
I thought I backed up my library using time machine to an external drive but all I see are thumbnails &
What exactly does this mean
when I click on one a big question mark comes up instead of the full size original.
Is this using iPhoto?
I tried rebuilding the library from the external drive but now even the thumbnails are gone,
Exactly what did you do? iPhoto does not rebuild from anywhere - it only will rebuild the library it is currently using
I deleted files &
Please explain
then emptied the trash when my startup disc was full
Again I have no idea at all of what you have done - but if you have deleted files from the iPhoto library using the finder and emptied the system trash then you library is toast and you will have to start over
Is it still possible the originals are there?
Of course - it is possible - if they are they will be in the Masters folder in your iPhoto library - right click on the iPhoto library and show package contents and look (BUT DO NOT TOUCH - NEVER make any changes to the structure or content of the iPhoto library using the finder)
How can I see where all the thumbnails are located?
They are in the previews folder - same warning as above
If I've lost the originals I'd still like to have the thumbnails all in one place.
Again not sure what you want - you can create a new library and import any image you want into it including the previews - but they are very low quality - almost unuseable
LN

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