Q: Photos app failed to import iPhoto library

what version of iPhoto do you have?

Where is your iPhoto library located?

Abd you do not import the iPhoto library - you migrate it - if it did not migrate on the initial launch drag the iPhoto library to the Photos icon in the Dock

LN

I have this exact problem, and have been scouring the web for a solution (nothing found yet). For me, it stops at 19% every time (I've tried six times now, including once letting it run for 48 hours...never got past 19%).

I hope someone can help...can't stand the thought of losing ten years of family pictures!

I tried this (dragging the iPhoto library to the Photos icon) and still hit the same snag..."Preparing Library" freezing at 19%. Any other ideas?

where is your iphoto library located?

LN

Home > Pictures

do you have iPhoto 9.6.1 installed?

LN

No, unfortunately. It's 9.2.1.

It stopped updating when they went to the App Store model, and now it won't update. When I open iPhoto it says basically "you can't open iPhoto; you need to update to 9.6, click here to update" but when I click it says basically "you can't update because your iPhoto wasn't purchased through the App Store." Super frustrating.

No, unfortunately. It's 9.2.1.

If you had some version of iPhoto 9 on your Mac at the time you upgraded to EC follow the directions posted by Tererence Devlin in this post:

Terence Devlin

Apr 14, 2015 11:21 AM

Re: Is Iphoto gone ? i want it back!

in response to Johannes666

Recommended

 

Go to the App Store and check out the Purchased section. If iPhoto is there it will be v9.6.1

 

If iPhoto 9.6.1 is there, close the App Store, drag your existing iPhoto app (not the library, just the app) to the trash and then go back to the App Store.

 

Install the App from the App Store.

 

Sometimes iPhoto is not visible on the Purchases List. it may be hidden. See this article for details on how to unhide it.

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4928

 

One question often asked: Will I lose my Photos if I reinstall?

 

iPhoto the application and the iPhoto Library are two different parts of the iPhoto programme. So, reinstalling the app should not affect the Library. BUT you should always have a back up before doing this kind of work. Always.

NOTE: the key to this procedure is to move the existing version of iPhoto 9 to the Trash bin in the Dock (don't empty yet) before going to the App Store.

if you're able to get 9.6.1 you can use it to run the First Aid on the library, both Option #1 - repair Permissions and Option #4 - Rebuild Database and then try to migrate the library to Photos.

Install iPhoto 9.6.1 - see Can't Update iPhoto because it is not available in the App Store

Then backup your iPhoto library and launch iPhoto 9.6.1 while holding down the option and command keys - repair permissions adn then rebuild the database - then check these hints  Notes on Migrating an iPhoto Library from iPhoto to Photos for Mac   and once you are ready drag the prepared library to the Photos icon in the Dock - this time it should migrate fine

And note this information on how the migration is done - How Photos handles content and metadata from iPhoto and Aperture - Apple Support

and this tip is helpful about the differences - Photos 2.0 vs iPhoto 9.6.1:  Features and Capabilities

LN