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Can't open my migrated photo library in "Photos" that now has cloud images in it

A couple of years ago I migrated my iPhoto library to the new "Photos" app but have been storing it on an external hard drive. I was able to open it in the past but now get this message "The library could not be opened" (5416). I also have images from cloud in new Photos app so could the reason why I can't open old library now? I need to access images in old IPhoto and could use help. Thank you

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Feb 18, 2022 6:50 AM

Best reply

TonyCollinet

Level 7

23,861 points

Posted on Feb 18, 2022 8:59 AM

Regarding the external drive - is it correctly formatted for a photos library?

It must be formatted APFS or MacOS extended (journaled) (preferred for spinning drives). Not case sensitive. If you have not formatted it after purchase it will most likely be ExFat - which is not compatible.

It Must not be (or have been) used for time machine. (A time machine drive can be used if re-formatted)

It must have the 'ignore ownership" checkbox ticked.

It must be directly connected (No ethernet or wifi)

See

Move your Photos library to save space on your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

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Can't open my migrated photo library in "Photos" that now has cloud images in it

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