HT204484: If Photos can’t copy or create a library

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smprfy07
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Terminal Commands from Apple do not work to transfer iPhoto pictures to Photo app.

I updated to Yosemite...and now I cannot get Photos to retrieve my pictures from my iPhoto Library. I have tried the commands provided by Apple (If Photos can’t copy or create a library - Apple Support) and they do not work. I THINK it is because my pictures are not in the default location (Mac1/Pictures) as per the instructions from the commands. They are on my desktop (Mac1/Desktop/Official iPhotos/iPhoto Library)

The specific error I am receiving is: "Photos was unable to make a copy of your library before preparing it. Photos does not have the necessary permissions..."


So my true question is instead of "...your_username /Users/your_username/Pictures" should I do "...your_username /Users/your_username/Desktop" or what??


I've had iPhotos since 2007 and I am freaking out-hoping I haven't lost my all my pictures and events. :/


Thanks

Posted on Jul 3, 2015 8:50 AM

by Terence Devlin,Solvedanswer
Terence Devlin Terence Devlin
Level 10 (139,537 points)
iLife
A:

That's mighty hard to read there, and you might be best sticking to the standard fonts going forward.

 

It might be more simple to just put the Library in the correct and expected location - the Pictures folder.

Posted on Jul 3, 2015 9:04 AM

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smprfy07

Q: Terminal Commands from Apple do not work to transfer iPhoto pictures to Photo app.

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  • by Terence Devlin,Solvedanswer

    Terence Devlin Terence Devlin Jul 3, 2015 9:04 AM in response to smprfy07
    Level 10 (139,537 points)
    iLife
    Jul 3, 2015 9:04 AM in response to smprfy07

    That's mighty hard to read there, and you might be best sticking to the standard fonts going forward.

     

    It might be more simple to just put the Library in the correct and expected location - the Pictures folder.

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Jul 3, 2015 9:04 AM in response to smprfy07
    Level 10 (141,105 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 3, 2015 9:04 AM in response to smprfy07

    Open your library with iPhoto and repair the library permissions and rebuild the database.  Then try converting the library to Photos by dragging it onto the Photos icon in the Dock. 

     

    There's absolutely no reason to use the Terminal for this process.

     

    OTsig.png

  • by smprfy07,

    smprfy07 smprfy07 Jul 3, 2015 9:44 AM in response to Old Toad
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 3, 2015 9:44 AM in response to Old Toad

    Oh I I wish that was the case but iPhoto doesn't work anymore. When you try to open it it says..."In order to open "iPhoto", you need to update to the latest version. The version of iPhoto installed on this Mac is not compatible with OS X Yosemite. Download the latest version for free from the Mac App Store."

     

    Then when you click the Search App Store it says: "Item Not Available. The item you've requested is not currently available in the U.S. store."

     

    I'm also in the US. So that strange.

     

    But I do appreciate your time.

     

    Thank You

  • by smprfy07,

    smprfy07 smprfy07 Jul 3, 2015 9:47 AM in response to Terence Devlin
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 3, 2015 9:47 AM in response to Terence Devlin

    Thank you. I am currently saving all 25 GB on an external (just in case). Then I'll drag it over and try it again.

    *crossing fingers*.

     

    I do appreciate your time.

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Jul 3, 2015 10:01 AM in response to smprfy07
    Level 10 (141,105 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 3, 2015 10:01 AM in response to smprfy07

    Follow the directions posted by Tererence Devlin in this post:

    Terence Devlin

    Apr 14, 2015 11:21 AM

    Re: Is Iphoto gone ? i want it back!

    in response to Johannes666

    Recommended

     

    Go to the App Store and check out the Purchases List. If iPhoto is there then it will be v9.6.1

     

    If iPhoto 9.6.1 is there, close the App Store, drag your existing iPhoto app (not the library, just the app) to the trash and then go back to the App Store.

     

    Install the App from the App Store.

     

    Sometimes iPhoto is not visible on the Purchases List. it may be hidden. See this article for details on how to unhide it.

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4928

     

    One question often asked: Will I lose my Photos if I reinstall?

     

    iPhoto the application and the iPhoto Library are two different parts of the iPhoto programme. So, reinstalling the app should not affect the Library. BUT you should always have a back up before doing this kind of work. Always.

  • by Mo-Que,

    Mo-Que Mo-Que Jul 25, 2015 12:18 PM in response to smprfy07
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 25, 2015 12:18 PM in response to smprfy07

    Not sure if this will help anyone, but here is what worked for me when I was receiving the error "Photos unable to make a copy of library because it does not have the necessary permissions". I first tried the instructions to use the Terminal and kept getting error messages such as "illegal operation", I repaired my library permissions, rebuilt the database...NOTHING was working.

     

    Once I determined that my iPhoto library was indeed located in my Pictures folder, I did the following:

    • Opened finder
    • Right-clicked on Pictures in the left navigation pane
    • Selected Get Info (and a Pictures Info box opened up)
    • Under the General section, I found that this folder was locked - so I unchecked the Locked box

    Then I opened the Photos app again and it promptly prepared my library.  Everything works as it should and all is right in my little Mac world now.

     

    Good luck!