my macbook pro just updated to Big Sur. now the photos app opens up and then says it needs to quit. corrupted, cannot find etc after trying to update.
the photos system library is on an external drive and all photos are there. they even show up except for the last 2 days. it still shows this library as the main photos library.
photos says syncing to icloud for about 4-5min then comes up with the error message that photos needs to close.
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 11.2
Read the following to make it easier to make screenshots and post them for others to view:
How to take a screenshot on your Mac
(⌘⬆︎3) Command-Shift-3 Capture the screen to a file
(⌘⬆︎⌃3) Command-Shift-Control-3 Capture the screen to the Clipboard
(⌘⬆︎4) Command-Shift-4 Capture a selection to a file
(⌘⬆︎⌃4) Command-Shift-Control-4 Capture a selection to the Clipboard
(⌘⬆︎5) Command-Shift-5 Invoke new screen grabber
What format is the external drive? If it doesn't meet the requirements below, you first need to make sure the library is moved to a compatible format before trying a repair.
Take a backup of it first also in it's current state.
Do you have a backup of the library from before the update attempt?
***
It must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled) (preferred for spinning drives)
It Must not be (or have been) used for time machine.
It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked.
It should not be on a memory stick, SD or similar.
It must also not be a network drive (a direct connection is required - eg USB or Thunderbolt).
File sharing services such as iCloud Drive, Drop box, Onedrive etc are not compatible with Photos libraries.
See
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201517
I've just seen - your format is case sensitive. I'm sure I've read that that can cause problems for photos libraries.
EDIT:
Yes, in this user tip from Leonie.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250000663
I don't know if that is causing your problem here, but it is worth trying, if you can copy your library off the current drive and reformat the drive not case sensitive, then copy it back again.
Tony it is APSF and i’ve been using the HD with no issues for months. Plugged in with USB and never been used for anything else
permissions are correct.
once i open photos it goes right to “restoring from icloud”. all icloud photos are there except for after the update. before this only happenend
when i initially setup the library. normally it always opens and the new photos show up shortly.
i haven’t moved the library and i can view ever new/old photo by going directly to icloud. just need this photo library to sync
tried safe mode with no luck
no luck trying to repair library either
after 2hrs checking partitions, running first aids on mac HD, external HD etc...went to photos, preferences, icloud...guess what? the update turned off icloud update!! holy cow you have to be kidding me. it took 10sec to fix. they turn off icloud updating to prevent possible errors during updates for cust like me. i have .5 terabyte of photos/videos
thank you to helping in the meantime guys.
Hi - when you say permissions are correct? Do you have the ignore ownership checkbox checked? (see screenshot)
Try starting in safe mode.
If that is checked, then Keith's suggestion of starting in safe mode is the next one to try.
"holy cow you have to be kidding me"
🤣
We've all been there. Thanks for the laugh tonight.
Glad it is sorted. Thanks for letting us know.
Photos and Big Sur update
