iPhoto images missing from Time Machine

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pabloscrusie Author

Level 1

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iPhoto images missing from Time Machine

I can't find my iPhoto library in Time Machine.

I deleted my iphoto library from my Macbook recently.

When I go to previous Time Machine back ups, I can't find the library.

I have tried searching:

Library.photolibrary

dsc_ (which is the start of the filename for the photos in that library)

I can locate my iPhoto library, but when I open the enclosing folder there are no folders with images.

Is there anyway that I can locate the missing photos?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Jan 18, 2013 7:11 AM

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Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

194,785 points

Jan 18, 2013 7:30 AM in response to pabloscrusie

Sorry, but I am confused by your question:

First you are saying:

I can't find my iPhoto library in Time Machine.

...

but then:

I can locate my iPhoto library, but when I open the enclosing folder there are no folders with images.

Do you mean, you found the backup of your library, but the folder containing the library does not have image folders? That should not be a problem - an iPhoto library will look like a single very large file in the Finder. The image files with your photos should be inside this package. Or have you looked at the package contents and there are no image files inside the library?

Have you tried to restore the iPhoto Library you found on your TimeMachine Backup to your Pictures folder? Doeos iPhoto not work with the restored library? Is that the problem?

Regards

Léonie

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Answer 2

pabloscrusie Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 18, 2013 8:00 AM in response to léonie

Sorry for the confusion, I definitely can't find my iPhoto library.

When I search for 'iPhoto' or 'iPhoto library' in Time Machine it only comes up with an icon for the iPhoto application. If I click on the icon, it shows me a quick view of the application with information about it's current size etc (250mb).

When I select that icon and choose the option to restore it to my computer, it only restores the iPhoto application and not the image library.

.

iPhoto is still installed on my computer, but the image gallery is empty.

It seems to be working; when I plugged in my iPhone I could still import images into iPhoto.

Instead of using the search engine in Time Machine, is there a path that will lead to the location of the iPhoto library.

E.g. User > Library > iPhoto Library

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Answer 3

léonie

Level 10

194,785 points

Jan 18, 2013 10:08 AM in response to pabloscrusie

If you are having iPhoto '11, the iPhoto Library should have the filename extension ".photolibrary"; you could search for that.

By default your iPhoto Library would have been installed in your "Pictures" folder:

User > Your Home Folder > Pictures > iPhoto Library.photolibrary.

So to restore the iPhoto Library, select your "Pictures" folder in the Finder, before you enter Time Machine and dive into the Time Tunnel.

Regards

Léonie

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Answer 4

Old Toad

Level 10

207,463 points

Jan 18, 2013 12:14 PM in response to pabloscrusie

Here's another screenshot in support of leonieDF's post.

OT

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Answer 5

pabloscrusie Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 18, 2013 3:13 PM in response to léonie

Thanks LeonieDF and Old Toad,

Those steps worked!

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Answer 6

Old Toad

Level 10

207,463 points

Jan 18, 2013 3:28 PM in response to Old Toad

You should have given leonieDF the credit. All I did was provide another visual aid to her solution.

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Answer 7

léonie

Level 10

194,785 points

Jan 18, 2013 3:51 PM in response to Old Toad

You are welcome, Pablo.

All I did was provide another visual aid to her solution.

But a great one, OldToad. Why does does your Time Tunnel show a bright light in the distance and mine does lead towards the darkness? 😁

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Answer 8

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Jan 18, 2013 3:56 PM in response to léonie

It is that bright light at near death - he is "Old" Toad afterall

😝😕👿😀😕👿😀😝😕👿😀😝😕👿😀😕👿😀😝😕👿😀😝😕👿😀😕👿😀😝😕👿😀

LN

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Answer 9

Old Toad

Level 10

207,463 points

Jan 18, 2013 3:59 PM in response to LarryHN

Hallelujah, I've seen the light! Everytime I go into the Time Machine it's a near death experience. 😉

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Answer 10

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Jan 18, 2013 4:12 PM in response to Old Toad

Interesting my bright lights are different from either of yours

LN

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Answer 11

Old Toad

Level 10

207,463 points

Jan 19, 2013 8:43 AM in response to LarryHN

I don't get that particular light any more. That screenshot was taken with Lion or Snow Leopard. That might be why it's different. What I get now is more like leonie's.

I guess as far as the "light" is concerned, "been there, done that".

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Answer 12

LarryHN

Level 10

106,110 points

Jan 19, 2013 8:45 AM in response to Old Toad

😝

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