iPhoto keeps switching to the Last Import folder automatically

I'm having a very similar problem - iPhoto keeps switching to the lst import folder after what appears to be a quick attempt to try to import (non-existaent) photos. For me this happens about once every 5 seconds, regardless of if I have clicked on another applicaiton or not. My iPhoto is completely unusable because of it. I have tried accessing the library from two different machines (it is stored on a NAS) and seen the same behavior on both (even though they don't share user preference or cache files).

You need to start a new thread - this has nothing to do with the existing thread - your issues is that the iPhoto library MUST be on a volume formatted Mac OS extended (journaled) and no NAS has that format - threadjacking this thread with that problem will make everyone crazy

LN

I'm only trying to let the original poster know he/she is not alone. For what it is worth, I disabled photostream and the problem went away. Perhaps the original poster could try that too. Similar problems may have the same root cause.

Shut down iPhoto and open your iPhoto library package as shown in this screenshot

And look for a folder titled Import or Importing. Move it to the Desktop (make no other changes to the contents of the library package) and launch iPhoto. That should stop the reimport attempt.

Check the contents of that folder on the Desktop to see if it contains any photos that did not get imported and you want to keep and import them.

I had a similar problem with iPhoto recently and I was able to resolved in by rebuilding the library again. See discussion in https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3717141

My folder was called 'auto import' and I removed the contents and that fixed the issue 😝

Yes! This is the correct fix! Thank you holly254.

In my case "Auto Import" contained a few empty folders – so every time iPhoto came to check Auto Import, there was something there calling for attention, but nothing importable. iPhoto isn't bright enough to clean up the Auto Import folder after processing it, thus leaving a problem that never goes away without manual intervention.

Rebuilding the library is like using a sledgehammer to clear away some dust.

Thank you everyone! I had the same problem here. Removed the "Auto Import" folder and we're back up and running! Just a re-cap for new comers.

~/Photos/iPhoto Library (Right click)

Select "Show Package Contents"

Locate Remove "Auto Import" folder

I am having the same problem as the OP. I do not have an "auto import" folder in the "package contents" folder. What do you suggest?

I can't tell what version of iphoto I have but it is a few years old.

Thanks!

iPhoto is bright enough to clean up when the import process isn't interrupted somehow.

Use the iPhoto ➙ About iPhoto menu option in the iPhoto menu bar to get the version of iPhoto you're using. Every version of iPhoto from iPhoto 7 (08) on has an Auto Import folder in the library package. So you must be running iPhoto 6 or earlier.

Thanks for your reply! I have iphoto 11. It says 9.2.3

If you could please help me stop iphoto from automatically switching to "last import" every time I use another app I'll be SO grateful and give you a million bajillion dollars. In my mind.

😉

See the post under More Like This named iPhoto jumps to last import...: Apple Support Communities. It includes a solution for one user.