Can't open Aperture and can't access first aid dialog -- fixed by deleting .plist file

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Level 1

34 points

Can't open Aperture and can't access first aid dialog -- fixed by deleting .plist file

Friends,

I have the latest updated version of Aperture running on an imac i7 and mountain lion. When I try to open Aperture I receive an error message that says the library can't be opened/program quit unexpectedly. Eventually it asks me if I want to repair the data base -- I say yes. It runs the repair routine, but the problem remains. I am unable to access the first aid dialog by cmd./option clicking on the library -- I receive the same error messages.

However, I am able to open the library in iphoto, so something is working right.

Any ideas? I suppose I could uninstall/reinstall the program, but since I loaded it from a DVD, that would be cumbersome (unless everything's been transferred to the app store).

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Steve

Posted on Sep 22, 2012 8:31 PM

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Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

195,113 points

Sep 22, 2012 10:23 PM in response to DC Steve

Steve,

the current Aperture installer has a problem and sometimes results in an incomplete installation. You need to uninstall and reinstall, see this recent support article by Apple:

Aperture 3.4: May quit unexpectedly on launch after updating

If your Mac has no DVD-drive, use the third option and reinstall from the Trial version;

Go to the Applications folder and delete Aperture.
Download the Aperture 3.1 Trial.
Open the Aperture Trial disc image.
Double-click the "Aperture Trial.mpkg" file.
Follow the onscreen instructions to install Aperture.
After the installation completes, choose Software Update from the Apple () menu.
Install the Aperture 3.4 update from the list of available updates.

Post back, if your problem persists after reinstalling.

Regards

Léonie

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Answer 2

DC Steve Author

Level 1

34 points

Sep 23, 2012 5:34 AM in response to léonie

Thanks, that's helpful. I deleted the .plist file, which appears to have solved the problem. However, I have the Aperture 3 upgrade DVD. If I need to reinstall, do I need to use all the previous DVDs (Ap. 1, 2 &3)? Also, I presume I won't be able to use the App store until Apple comes out with Aperture 4 through the App store, correct?

Thanks again.

Steve

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Answer 3

léonie

Level 10

195,113 points

Sep 23, 2012 5:45 AM in response to DC Steve

As I said above, you do not need your DVDs at all. You can download the Trial from here:

Aperture 3.1 Trial.

That will install Aperture 3.1, after you moved your current Aperture to the Trash - see my post above. To upgrade from 3.1. go to the Apple menu - software update (this will redirect to the AppStore and you should be able to use it this way)- or use the download at the support page:

Aperture 3.4

Regards

Léonie

Added: don't even try to open the Aperture 3.1 application after installing - it will not be able to open your current library - update immediately to aperture 3.4.

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Answer 4

DC Steve Author

Level 1

34 points

Sep 23, 2012 6:20 AM in response to léonie

Do I use the serial number from my DVD to activate the trial version? Or does the program self-activate?

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Answer 5

léonie

Level 10

195,113 points

Sep 23, 2012 6:34 AM in response to DC Steve

Don't launch the Trial after installing it. Upgrade directly. Then it cannot ask for your serial number. However, you should be able to unlock the trial with your upgrade serial + aperture 2 serial,

but as I said, if you do not launch the Trila, no serial numbers should be necessary.

The serial numbers you entered before should remain valid in your User library.

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Answer 6

DC Steve Author

Level 1

34 points

Sep 23, 2012 7:46 AM in response to léonie

I'm going to try it -- even though Aperture generally works, there are some anomalies that are annoying and might be cured by a reinstall.

Last question (I hope): if I download the trial, upgrade, etc., how does Apple know I own the program? Does it link it to my apple ID? Do I have to enter a serial number eventually? Will I now and henceforth access upgrades through the App store only?

Thanks for your help.

Steve

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Answer 7

léonie

Level 10

195,113 points

Sep 23, 2012 7:57 AM in response to DC Steve

You said in your initial post, that you bought Aperture on a DVD.

but since I loaded it from a DVD,

This DVD and the serial number are your proof of ownership. Keep them safe. And also a copy of the Trial installer.

You may need them again someday. After doing the upgrade you will still get future updates from the Apple menu > Software update. Your licence will not be transferred to the Apple store.

After installing and upgrading the program will look into the user library, if a copy of Aperture 3 is licenced. It should find your current registration info and not prompt you to enter it.

Regards

Léonie

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Answer 8

DC Steve Author

Level 1

34 points

Sep 23, 2012 8:55 AM in response to DC Steve

OK, I'll try it. Thanks for your help.

Steve

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Answer 9

Macmom5

Level 1

0 points

Sep 29, 2012 6:23 PM in response to DC Steve

I'm having a similar problem but it was not solved by this suggestion. When I try to open Aperture it gives me a box that says I need to update, and my only option is Quit - does not give me an UPDATE option.

I tried to delete the Aperture from Applications then went to download the Tril 3.1. When I click on the utiltiy, then an icon appears with

file://localhost/Volumes/Aperture%203.1.1/Aperture3.1.1Update.pkg

underneath. There is no "Aperture Trial.mpkg" file. mentioned in step #4. When I click on that box it says that I need Aperture version 3.0 to use update. GRRRRRR

I removed Aperture from the trash and put it back into my applications.

Same error messages. I seem to be in a loop here. Please help me get out. I just got back from 2 photo shoots and have 2 more tomorrow with no software!!!!

Anyone?

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