iPhoto: Unable to write to library. Check that you have permission to write to the library directory

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Reubania Author

Level 1

6 points

iPhoto: Unable to write to library. Check that you have permission to write to the library directory

I have been asked to submit a new thread regarding iPhoto's recent inability to write to library.

The original thread can be found here.

SPECS:

Mac Mini (Mid 2011)

OSX 10.10.2

Seagate 4TB External HDD, formatted to Mac OS External (Journaled) (purchased 8 Feb 2015)

Previously, "Ignore ownership on this volume" was not ticked. Now it has been selected.

Before 30 March, iPhoto Library located on the Seagate external HDD worked fine with no errors. It was previous copied from Carbon Copy Cloner from one of my Samsung internal HDD in my Mac Mini that had a S.M.A.R.T. failure. There were errors with particular thumbnails and files (I assume had corrupted due to the internal HDD failing) but CCC did as directed and copied the entire iPhoto Library to the new Seagate external HDD.

It seems that after installing the latest iPhoto update:

iPhoto version 9.6.1 from the App Store (installed March 30, 2015), iPhoto no longer has "permission" to write to library when opened:

(Could this be a program with the latest software update?)

Upon accessing the Photo Library First Aid control panel (holding Option+Command keys and selecting iPhoto):

And selecting the first option, "Repair Permission,"

I still receive the error message (doesn't even start repairing photo library permissions):

What else should I do? It won't let me "Rebuild Database" either. I have restarted the Mac Mini. I haven't tried disconnecting the external HDD. And I do not have another HDD big enough to transfer the entire iPhoto Library to see if it is my iPhoto Library that has corrupted, or the new Seagate external HDD that has decided not to play nice. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Mac mini, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2)

Posted on Apr 1, 2015 3:06 AM

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Answer 1

léonie

Level 10

194,761 points

Apr 1, 2015 4:00 AM in response to Reubania

Try to narrow down the problem. We need to know, if the problem is caused by the drive or your iPhoto Library.

Try to create a new iPhoto library on your external drive. Launch iPhoto while holding down the alt/options key. Then select to create a new iPhoto Library on the the external drive. Does this work? can you import a few test images?
If you cannot use an iPhoto library on the drive at all, try to create a new iPhoto Library in your Pictures folder. Does iPhoto work with this library?

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Answer 2

Reubania Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 1, 2015 4:25 AM in response to léonie

Thank you for your suggestions.

When I attempt to create a new iPhoto Library on the same Seagate external HDD, I receive this message:

When I attempt to create a new iPhoto Library in my Pictures folder, I receive this welcome message:

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Answer 3

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

Apr 1, 2015 7:02 AM in response to Reubania

Sounds very like an issue with the disk, Verify it with Disk Utility.

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Answer 4

Reubania Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 1, 2015 11:39 PM in response to Yer_Man

I ran Disk Utility and I received this:

Disregard the failing S.M.A.R.T (red) status of my internal Samsung HDD. The iPhoto Library is located in the 4TB Seagate Expansion Disk, labelled "Media External HDD." No other software/backup software installed on the Seagate and it was reformatted into Mac OS Extended (Journaled) without any troubles. Other files on that external HDD are just my iTunes and movie folders.

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Answer 5

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

Apr 1, 2015 11:55 PM in response to Reubania

There does seem to be a problem there as it's not completing the check: Compare:

That's a shot from a scan done on one of mine just now. Your process seems to have terminated before the last two steps, and you're not getting the line in green.

I'm no expert on Disk Utility, so I'd ask about that on the Using Mac OS X forum for 10.10

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Answer 6

Reubania Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 5, 2015 6:55 AM in response to Yer_Man

OK. I've been trying to workshop this some more.

AFTER restarting my Mac Mini, I selected "Get Info" on this Seagate external HDD, and low and behold, "everyone" sharing & permissions was reset back to "Read Only." I attempted to move a folder into this external HDD and was as to "Authenticate" the move. So entering my Administrator password, the folder can be moved.

I went into Disk Utility to "Verify Disk" and I now get the green text "This volume appears to be OK."

But I am UNABLE to "Ignore ownership on this volume."

I receive the following error message:

The operation can't be completed. "An unexpected error occurred (error code -8076)."

I am pulling my hair out!

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Answer 7

Reubania Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 5, 2015 7:00 AM in response to Reubania

I found this on the Apple Discussions in relation to the error code -8076 that might restore my permissions.

Do you think I should follow this advice?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6516930

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Answer 8

Yer_Man

Level 10

162,314 points

Apr 5, 2015 8:17 AM in response to Reubania

Short answer: Probably. But we're in country where far from my comfort zone 😉

Long Answer: Linc Davis a long standing, experienced and respected member of the community so I would happily follow his advice. But back up first, of course.

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Answer 9

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Apr 5, 2015 9:03 AM in response to Reubania

That post by Linc is for the home folder on the boot drive. It doesn't apply to an external HD.

You may have to copy the files off that EHD to another EHD and repartition the first EHD to 1 partition with the usual Mac format. Then copy the files back to it.

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Answer 10

Reubania Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 5, 2015 3:55 PM in response to Old Toad

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think I will just clear up my Mac Mini internal HDD and make room to transfer my entire iPhoto Library to the Home "Pictures" Folder. I don't know how longer I can hold out before I run out of space, but I just can't believe my purchase of a 4TB external HDD to enable me to store all my photos can cause such havoc. I am looking forward to the new "Photos" app to arrive, hopefully it'll fix up some of my woes.

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Answer 11

Apr 5, 2015 9:44 PM in response to Reubania

I'd reformat that external. Once permissions get that messy It's just the easier/safer way to go. Assuming you have space to get everything off of it in the mean while. 🙂

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