How do I rescue my old photos on iPhoto?

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Level 1

8 points

How do I rescue my old photos on iPhoto?

I have the same question as another user. What is .attr? I purchased a new 64-bit MacBook Pro and they transferred my data from my 8-year old MacBook to the new Pro. No iPhotos program--it disappeared. When I finally found the app, it wouldn't open and wanted to "upgrade" Photos. I stopped that, not knowing what I might lose. When I looked inside the app (control click, choose "Show package contents") - I got the year folders and the dates, but inside were a bunch of items ending in .attr and no photos I could see. Could not change the .appr to .jpg Help!

Posted on Jan 11, 2021 5:17 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Keith Barkley

Level 7

20,048 points

Jan 11, 2021 6:55 PM in response to busydizzy

You seem to be confusing the library and the app. All your images are in the library.

iPhoto was discontinued several years ago. Photos is the replacement. You should have let the process complete. To restart it, launch Photos with the option key held down. From the resulting dialog, choose your iPhoto Library. Photos will create a new library from your iPhoto media. Your iPhoto Library will not be changed, though it will be renamed.

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Answer 2

busydizzy Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 11, 2021 7:42 PM in response to Keith Barkley

Ok, thanks. I tried that and it asked me if I wanted to "switch the current Photos Library from “Photos Library.photoslibrary” to “iPhoto Library.photoslibrary”?

I don't think I want to switch libraries, but I have no idea.

Don't give up on me!! Thanks.

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Answer 3

Jan 12, 2021 6:19 AM in response to busydizzy

If you don't have images in the Photos library, you want to switch. If you *do* have images in the photos library you want to keep, you need to maintain separate libraries or use software like Fat Cat's (paid) Power Photos to merge them.

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Answer 4

busydizzy Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 12, 2021 7:00 PM in response to Keith Barkley

Thanks! I'll try that. When the computer store downloaded my old computer's info, it sent iPhotos into a folder that contained only icons with .attr that I couldn't open. I'll try to restore the iPhotos photos or check into Fat Cat. Thanks so much. They said it was the new 64-bit OS that killed my old iPhotos photos. Should have merged them with Photos long ago.

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How do I rescue my old photos on iPhoto?

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