Transferred files to a new MacBook Pro, but I don't see my old iPhoto library!!

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Level 1

4 points

Transferred files to a new MacBook Pro, but I don't see my old iPhoto library!!

I recently transferred all my files from my 2008 MacBook Pro 15" to my new 2010 MacBook Pro 15" (with a firewire). As far as I can see everything has transferred, except for my iPhoto library. When I tried to look for a photo it was completely blank and iPhoto asked if I wanted to create a new library. I also have a Time Capsule which all my files from my 2008 MBP should be backed up on, but I can not find them!! I'm seriously going to cry if I lost the last 5 years of my photos and videos!! PLEASE HELP!!

THANK YOU!!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on Jun 7, 2011 2:28 PM

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Answer 1

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Jun 7, 2011 2:30 PM in response to kaytela

Connect the two Macs together (network, firewire target mode, etc) and drag the iPhoto library intact as a single entity from the old Mac to the pictures folder of the new Mac - launch iPhoto on the new mac and it will open the library and convert it as needed and you will be ready move forward.

LN

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Answer 2

kaytela Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 7, 2011 6:28 PM in response to kaytela

I don't have my 2008 MacBook Pro. I sold it the day I transferred the files. Do you think my iPhoto Library is hidden somewhere!! How do I see my files in Time Machine from my old Mac. Those should have transferred too!!

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Answer 3

mariedel

Level 1

0 points

Aug 12, 2011 10:34 PM in response to kaytela

you can't open iphoto because it may damaged or incomplete. how do i restore??? the old pictures i can't find.. help

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Answer 4

sunneye

Level 1

0 points

Jan 27, 2012 1:46 PM in response to kaytela

Hello there,

it's been a long time since you posted this - I posted the same problem a few days ago, but now found the place where my photos went hiding.

So, everybody who has this problem:

Look at your finder window and see on the left menu column under "search for" some folders named "all images", "all movies" and "all documents".

If you open "all images" you will find literally ALL the images you ever brought into your computer and some weird sequence, probably by date of import.

It's a tedious job to work through tens of thousands of images, but there they are.

So, nothing is lost, but please APPLE people, there IS a bug in iPhoto which needs fixing!!!

We're not used to bugs with our Macs...

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Answer 5

Old Toad

Level 10

207,403 points

Jan 27, 2012 2:41 PM in response to kaytela

Download and use Find Any File to search for a file named "Library6.iPhoto". It's a file that exists in every iPhoto library regardless of what the library has been named. If you find more than one you can open them to see if the other library has your photos.

If there is only one library make a temporary, backup copy (if you don't already have a backup copy) of the library and apply the two fixes below in order as needed:

Fix #1

Launch iPhoto with the Command+Option keys held down and rebuild the library.

Select the options identified in the screenshot.

Fix #2

Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library

Download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.

Click on the Add Library button, navigate to your Home/Pictures folder and select your iPhoto Library folder.

Now that the library is listed in the left hand pane of iPLM, click on your library and go to the File ➙ Rebuild Library menu option

In the next window name the new library and select the location you want it to be placed.

Click on the Create button.

Note: This creates a new library based on the LIbraryData.xml file in the library and will recover Events, Albums, keywords, titles and comments but not books, calendars or slideshows. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.

OT

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