When I upgraded to MacOS 12.3.1 Photos stopped recognizing iPhoto Library on my external drive. When start Photos while pressing the alt opt key and choose the iPhoto Library I get "The library could not be opened. The library "iPhoto Library" could not be recognized." When I created a new library on the external drive I noticed it said Photos Library.photoslibrary which is different than the old library. i
MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.3
Are you trying to open an iPhoto library? What is the extension of the library you are trying to open.
The extension should be photoslibrary (no space).
It doesn't matter what the name is before the .
Are you trying to open an iPhoto library? What is the extension of the library you are trying to open.
The extension should be photoslibrary (no space).
It doesn't matter what the name is before the .
Hi
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)
The external drive and Photos worked fine using the iPhoto Library before the upgrade to 12.3.1
I was trying to access the iPhoto Library folder instead of the actual library. Works like a charm again Thank. you.
Good news.
Photos not recognizing iPhoto Library
