Why is this happening?!!

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Level 1

4 points

Why is this happening?!!

Help!? In the Photo library on my iMac, hundreds of photos and videos dating back to 2006 now appear with a '?' icon in the top right corner of the thumbnail. When I open them I get the following message: Missing File: Photos with unavailable original files cannot be opened. The original photo “IMG_2970.HEIC” is either offline or cannot be found. Click “Find Original” to reconnect. When I click "Find Original", I cannot locate the folder with the original. At first, I thought it was just a few, but a more thorough search revealed nearly 1000 files, including 137 precious home videos. I've called Apple Support and the issue remains unresolved after half an hour on the phone. Does anyone know (a) how this happened; and (b) if there is a way to either find the missing originals OR convert all of these missing/referenced files back to an editable format. My photos are my most prized possession and without being able to open/access/edit/print them, I feel heartbroken.

iMac 27″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Jan 5, 2024 2:35 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 6, 2024 7:48 AM in response to Joystephanie

Have you tried searching with the Finder search? This works better for me than Spotlight search for things like files-- just enter the file name into the search field on any Finder window.

It turns out I have IMG_2970.HEIC, but it's not yours, I promise! You can also search external hard drives that are plugged in. If the search finds the file, it will show the path to get there, and you may find other missing pictures in the same place. As Yer_Man suggests, is sounds like you maybe inadvertently referenced pictures on your drive, and then maybe they were moved and Photos can't find them. They may be on some external drive you used, or even on another computer's drive.

Tell us what you find...

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Answer 2

Yer_Man

Level 10

166,570 points

Jan 5, 2024 3:23 PM in response to Joystephanie

Are you running a Managed or a Referenced Library?

A Managed Library, is the default setting, and Photos copies files into the Photos Library when Importing. The files are then stored within the Library package

A Referenced Library is when Photos is NOT copying the files into the Photos Library when importing because you made a change at Photo -> Preferences -> General. (You unchecked the option to copy files into the Library on import) The files are then stored where ever you put them and not in the Library package. In this scenario you are responsible for the File Management.

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Why is this happening?!!

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