When opened up iPhoto, it said it was rebuilding thumb caches

Question

I thought a file was an old duplicate iPhoto library so I put it in the trash on my dock. Then when I went to open up iPhoto, it indicated that it was rebuilding thumb caches and then I couldn't view any of the pictures, although the library still indicated that there were 7000 pictures. So I dragged the file out of the trash in case that was the problem. But then I couldn't open up iPhoto anymore and it asked us to choose or create a new library. My husband clicked create a new library and of course, that's blank. But there's no other library to choose from even when I try. I seem to have two back up photo libraries, but they only seem to contain pictures from a long time ago. Where can I find the 7000 pictures that were in my latest library? I really hope it's not lost!
Would really appreciate any help!

Answer 1

Yes. Since iPhoto is now linked to the proper library you can delete those other library folders.
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.