I need to merge two photo libraries, but it says one needs to be repaired when it doesn't

I used dropbox to move all my stuff from an older computer to a new one. But it didn't get (all) the photos and music. I put those folders inside dropbox temporarily to bring everything over. But that created a 2nd photos library. Now Photos claims it needs to be repaired. It doesn't. I can open the newer or older one by opening Photos with the option key pressed. Both work fine.


This 1st screenshot shows what I'm trying to do, including the filename.





This 2nd screenshot shows the error message I get.


Posted on Sep 4, 2023 1:59 PM

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1 reply

Sep 5, 2023 12:20 AM in response to SueVanH

SueVanH, what is the system version you are running on your new computer?


Are you trying to merge the two libraries by importing the Photos Library 2 into the Photos Library 1? You can only import libraries into another library on macOS 12 Monterey or later (Import photos from another library in Photos on Mac – Apple Support (UK)).


Even if you can open both libraries in Photos without error message, the library may need repairing after having been in a Dropbox. The problem is, that the Dropbox syncing can damage a Photos Library badly. A Photos Library must never be stored in a synced folder, as the syncing can break the internal links.

You can repair the library as described here: Repair your library in Photos on Mac


If the error message does not go away, you may want to copy your library again to your new Mac, but do not use a synced folder to copy the Photos Library over. Copy it onto an external drive, prepared as described here: Move your Photos library to save space on your Mac - Apple Support

Make sure the "Ignore ownership on this Volume" flag is set to avoid problems with the file ownership, when you try to open the library on your new Mac.







I need to merge two photo libraries, but it says one needs to be repaired when it doesn't

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