Permissions problems importing iPhoto library into Photos

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Level 1

8 points

Permissions problems importing iPhoto library into Photos

Hi

I'm having problems opening my iPhoto library with the new Photos app. I hold down the option key while opening the Photos app and immediately get the message: "An error occurred while repairing permissions. Photos was unable to repair permissions on your library."

I have 2 drives in my MacBook Pro: The boot drive is a smaller SSD and there is a much larger HD where the optical drive used to be. The iPhoto library file resides on the SSD in the Pictures folder inside my home folder, and the iPhoto Masters folder resides on the larger HD. I've tried the various steps in the iPhoto library first aid but no luck so far. If anyone has any ideas, I'd be very grateful. Using iPhoto 9.6.1. For what its worth, I had Aperture installed on this MacBook but never really used it and just deleted it.

Thanks!

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011), OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Apr 28, 2015 12:00 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 28, 2015 12:05 PM in response to nandotron

Make sure ignore ownership of the other drive is checked.

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Answer 2

nandotron Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2015 12:07 PM in response to Glenn Leblanc

Hi Glenn,

where do I find that option?

thanks

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Answer 3

Apr 28, 2015 12:15 PM in response to nandotron

Select the drive where the data is stored and get info on it. At the very bottom left side under permissions window.

Photos can't access a different volume unless this is checked. If the drive is a Time Machine drive, you won't have this option.

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Answer 4

léonie

Level 10

200,699 points

Apr 28, 2015 12:18 PM in response to nandotron

I've tried the various steps in the iPhoto library first aid but no luck so far.

Download our Swiss-Army.Knife for library emergencies: Fat Cat Software – iPhoto Library Manager

The free trial option will let you rebuild the iPhoto Library.

Then try to migrate the rebuilt library to Photos.

What is the file system on your second HD with the Masters folder, and how is this HD connected to your MBP?

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Answer 5

nandotron Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2015 12:28 PM in response to léonie

ok, checked the ownership option but still no dice. léonie, the HD is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and is in the bay that used to house the optical drive, so connected via sata..

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Answer 6

léonie

Level 10

200,699 points

Apr 28, 2015 12:32 PM in response to nandotron

ok, checked the ownership option but still no dice. léonie, the HD is formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), and is in the bay that used to house the optical drive, so connected via sata..

Exactly like my MacBook Pro. That should work.

Try to rebuild with iPhoto Library Manager. Here is the help text on rebuilding a problematic library:

Rebuilding a corrupted iPhoto library

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Answer 7

Apr 28, 2015 12:34 PM in response to nandotron

Not sure at what point the problem is occurring. You can view this article, but I don't know if that permission issue is applying to you:

If Photos can’t copy or create a library - Apple Support

If you have iPhoto 9.6.1 in your application folder, you can open it. If you have iPhoto 9.6.1 and you can't open your library, try repairing your library. Hold the command-Option key down and start iPhoto. It will bring you to the first aid tab.

You can also follow Leonie's post.

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Answer 8

nandotron Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2015 12:43 PM in response to Glenn Leblanc

I'm using iPhoto 9.6.1 and can open it without problems - just can't migrate the library to Photos for some reason. Already went through the first aid but didn't seem to work. Trying the app léonie mentioned and will let you know how I get on. Thanks!

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Answer 9

nandotron Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 28, 2015 2:14 PM in response to nandotron

thanks léonie, that worked a treat. That problem had been bugging me since I upgraded. Thanks a lot!

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Answer 10

léonie

Level 10

200,699 points

Apr 28, 2015 2:55 PM in response to nandotron

You're welcome. Thank the Fat Cat Software team for keeping the trial version free for such emergencies 🙂

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