lwlentz

Q: Your photo library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable

How do I fix this Error: Your photo library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable. We had help at the Apple Store Genius bar and it for about a month and now its giving us the message again.

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011), OS X 10.9.4

Posted on Sep 15, 2014 3:48 PM

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Q: Your photo library is either in use by another application or has become unreadable

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 15, 2014 3:45 PM in response to lwlentz
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Sep 15, 2014 3:45 PM in response to lwlentz

    These are your options:

    1. Restore the iPhoto library from the most recent backup that predates the issue.

              Advantages: Always works, if library damage is causing the problem and the backup is intact.

              Disadvantages: Impossible if you don't have a backup. All changes made since the backup are lost.

    2. Repair or rebuild the library. Be sure to back it up first.

              Advantages: May solve the problem with no loss of data.

              Disadvantages: May fail. May take a long time if the library is large.

    3. Scavenge the library with a third-party application called "iPhoto Library Manager," which you can find in a web search. From the application's menu bar (not the iPhoto menu bar), select Library Rebuild.

              Advantages: All images should be preserved.

              Disadvantages: All books, calendars, and slideshows will be lost.