How to retrieve my previous iPhoto Library

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Level 1

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How to retrieve my previous iPhoto Library

Here's my problem:
I got a message: "Your Photo Library was not found..." and clicked on Create Library (don't ask me why). This new Library is empty of course. Can I somehow retrieve my previous library? My photos must be somewhere on my HD; deleting them would take some time and I did not see any activity.

I cannot believe I could loose all my photos just like that. Help!

iMac (Intel), Mac OS X (10.4.11), 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 20"

Posted on Nov 28, 2007 5:20 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

207,409 points

Nov 28, 2007 5:31 PM in response to YaReMi

The default location of the iPhoto Library is in the User/Pictures folder. Look in there. You probably will have two libraries in there. Move the smallest one to the desktop and launch iPhoto with the Option key depressed and, when asked, opt to Find Library. Navigate to the Pictures folder and select the iPhoto Library folder there. That should get you your library and pictures back.

Do you Twango?

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.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 08 libraries and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

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Answer 2

YaReMi Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 28, 2007 5:45 PM in response to Old Toad

yes I know - there's only one iPhoto library there and it's the new one

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

207,409 points

Nov 28, 2007 5:48 PM in response to YaReMi

Do a search on the HD for "Library6.iPhoto". Each library will have that file in it. If you don't find another such file your library has been deleted. Do you have a backup of it?

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Answer 4

YaReMi Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 28, 2007 5:59 PM in response to Old Toad

I found "Library6.iPhoto" but it is part of the new (empty) library.
Deleted? That really *****. I don't have a backup of the library but after uploading photos from my camera I usually (95%) immediately export them into my "Negatives" folder. So most of my originals should be ok. Most photos in iPhoto were edited and I will have to spend quite a time to do it again. Oh well ...
Thanks for your help.

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

207,409 points

Nov 28, 2007 6:17 PM in response to YaReMi

Somehow the original library was moved to the Trash and deleted. An errant keystroke perhaps, who knows. That's why our mantra is backup, backup, backup, backup..... With the low cost of external HD these days, they are very cost effective insurance against loss of important files.

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