Why is the "create slideshow" function greyed out in iphoto?

As a Test:

Hold down the option (or alt) key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Create Library'

Import a few pics into this new, blank library. Is the Problem repeated there?

That was just a test. Now you need to repair your original library. Apply the two fixes below in order as needed:

Fix #1

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

Since only one option can be run at a time start with Option #3, followed by #4 and then #1 as needed.

Fix #2

Using iPhoto Library Manager to Rebuild Your iPhoto Library

1 - download iPhoto Library Manager and launch.

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

3 - 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.

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

5 - 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. However, books, calendars, cards and slideshows will be lost. The original library will be left untouched for further attempts at fixing the problem or in case the rebuilt library is not satisfactory.

OT

Hi, someone I need help.

I did what you said, I held option and opened iphoto and hit "create new folder". Yes, the slideshow option worked but where are all my photos? I need them back. Anyone can help me or I've lost hte lot.

You created a new Library.

Your photos are in the old one.

Hold down the option (or alt) key key and launch iPhoto. From the resulting menu select 'Choose Library' to open the old one.

okay - I found a folder in my pictures photo that is iphoto Library, which is my original iphoto photo file but how do I import them into the new Iphoto I have created?

You don't. You read Old Toad's post above mine, that explains what to do next.

thanks - did that and they are there. But it hasn't fixed my original problem. I want to make a slideshow from these photos and slideshow is greyed out. I used to be able to access it and can't understand why it's ghosted. Any help in trying to get slideshow back AND with all my photos? thanks

okay - just spent the last hour or so and went through your instructions - it all worked except...... Unfortunately slideshow is still ghosted so I'm at a no better position than when I started.....

Select all the photos in the album that you are using to play the slideshow and see if the create menu options or the button are active. Photos must be selected before they become active.

I just selcted a group of photos and there is no slideshow available in create and the slideshow option is greyed out when I select add. Can't understand it. It used to work.

Try the following:

1 - delete the iPhoto preference file, com.apple.iPhoto.plist, that resides in your

User/Home/Library/ Preferences folder.

2 - delete iPhoto's cache file, Cache.db, that is located in your

User/Home/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder (Snow Leopard and Earlier).

or with Lion and Mt. Lion from the User/Library/Containers/com.apple.iPhoto/
Data/Library/Caches/com.apple.iPhoto folder

3 - launch iPhoto and try again.

NOTE 1: If you're moved your library from its default location in your Home/Pictures folder you will have to point iPhoto to its new location when you next open iPhoto by holding down the Option key when launching iPhoto. You'll also have to reset the iPhoto's various preferences.

NOTE 2: In Lion and Mountain Lion the Library folder is now invisible. To make it permanently visible enter the following in the Terminal application window: chflags nohidden ~/Library and hit the Enter button - 10.7: Un-hide the User Library folder.