"iBooks can't access your library" since upgrading to El Capitan

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sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

"iBooks can't access your library" since upgrading to El Capitan

Since upgrading to El Capitan, I get a pop up message when starting El Capitan stating:

iBooks can't access your library.

Make sure the disk containing your library is connected, then click Try Again.

Library Location: (null)

There are 3 buttons - Quit, Reset Library, and Try Again. Pressing Quit makes it go away. Clicking either of the other ones does nothing, just pops the same message up again.

I've tried the methods that have been posted here, in similar threads, with no luck. No change in the behavior. Any other ideas? Is there an apple support email that would work? Or is this a job for the genius bar?

Posted on Oct 10, 2015 8:00 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 10, 2015 1:01 PM in response to sduck409

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

Back up all data.

Quit iBooks if it's running. Test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already taken. Stop when the problem is resolved. Quit iBooks again before going on to the next step.

Step 1

Hold down the option key and select Go ▹ Library from the Finder menu bar. From the Library folder, move the following item, if it exists, to the Trash:

Cookies/com.apple.ibooks.cookies

Step 2

Delete this item in the same way:

Preferences/com.apple.ibooks.plist

Step 3

Delete this item:

Containers/com.apple.iBooksX

and move this one to the Desktop:

Containers/com.apple.BKAgentService

Restart the computer. To log out and log back in is not enough—you must restart.

When you launch iBooks, you'll be prompted to reset the library. Confirm. The library will be empty. Rebuild it by downloading your purchases from the iBooks Store and importing any other content you added. You may find the added content in the folder named "com.apple.BKAgentService" that you moved to the Desktop.

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Answer 2

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 10, 2015 5:09 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks for reposting that. I've tried that before, with no luck, and just to be sure, I tried it all again just now. Still nothing - the same results.

FWIW iBooks runs fine in my guest account.

Any other ideas?

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 10, 2015 5:40 PM in response to sduck409

Launch the Console application in any of the following ways:

☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)

☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.

☞ Open LaunchPad and start typing the name.

The title of the Console window should be All Messages. If it isn't, select

SYSTEM LOG QUERIES ▹ All Messages

from the log list on the left. If you don't see that list, select

View ▹ Show Log List

from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Click the Clear Display icon in the toolbar. Then take the action that isn't working the way you expect. Select any lines that appear in the Console window. Copy them to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C. Paste into a reply to this message by pressing command-V.

The log contains a vast amount of information, almost all of which is irrelevant to solving any particular problem. When posting a log extract, be selective. A few dozen lines are almost always more than enough.

Please don't indiscriminately dump thousands of lines from the log into this discussion.

Please don't post screenshots of log messages—post the text.

Some private information, such as your name or email address, may appear in the log. Anonymize before posting.

When you post the log extract, you might see an error message on the web page: "You have included content in your post that is not permitted," or "The message contains invalid characters." That's a bug in the forum software. Please post the text on Pastebin, then post a link here to the page you created.

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Answer 4

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 10, 2015 6:25 PM in response to Linc Davis

Following those instructions, I get:

10/10/15 8:22:18.028 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipException is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.028 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUOffsetInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.028 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipArchiveOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.028 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipOutputEntry is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.028 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipFreeSpaceEntry is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.028 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUBufferedInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipArchiveMemoryDataRepresentation is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUOffsetOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipDeflateOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUFileDataRepresentation is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipInflateInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUMemoryOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUFileInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.029 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUMemoryInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipArchiveFileDataRepresentation is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUCryptoOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUFileOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUMoveableFileOutputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUDataRepresentation is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUCryptoUtils is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUCryptoInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUCryptoKey is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.030 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipEntry is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.031 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUCryptor is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.031 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipArchive is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.031 PM iBooks[1222]: objc[1222]: Class SFUZipRecordInputStream is implemented in both /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/TSUtility.framework/Versions/A/TSU tility and /Applications/iBooks.app/Contents/Frameworks/IMCommonCore.framework/Versions/A/ IMCommonCore. One of the two will be used. Which one is undefined.

10/10/15 8:22:18.075 PM com.apple.xpc.launchd[1]: (com.apple.xpc.launchd.domain.pid.iBooks.1222) Path not allowed in target domain: type = pid, path = /Library/Frameworks/iTunesLibrary.framework/Versions/A/XPCServices/com.apple.iT unesLibraryService.xpc error = 147: The specified service did not ship in the requestor's bundle, origin = /Applications/iBooks.app

10/10/15 8:22:18.078 PM com.apple.xpc.launchd[1]: (com.apple.xpc.launchd.domain.pid.iBooks.1222) Path not allowed in target domain: type = pid, path = /Library/Frameworks/iTunesLibrary.framework/Versions/A/XPCServices/com.apple.iT unesLibraryService.xpc error = 147: The specified service did not ship in the requestor's bundle, origin = /Applications/iBooks.app

10/10/15 8:22:18.240 PM iBooks[1222]: Unsupported configuration. Please update your BookKit.framework.

10/10/15 8:22:18.248 PM iBooks[1222]: Unsupported configuration. Please update your BookKit.framework.

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 10, 2015 8:00 PM in response to sduck409

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem.

Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.

Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.

The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem?

After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

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Answer 6

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 10, 2015 8:38 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thanks for bearing with me on this!

I basically pulled my macbook pro out from where I usually keep it, disconnected everything, and restarted it in safe mode. And unfortunately had the same results when starting iBooks. Also the same thing once I rebooted normally.

Sorry - any further ideas?

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Answer 7

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 10, 2015 8:56 PM in response to sduck409

What version of OS X are you running? I don't mean just "El Capitan," but the version number.

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Answer 8

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 10, 2015 9:05 PM in response to Linc Davis

OS X 10.11 (15A284)

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Answer 9

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 10, 2015 9:17 PM in response to sduck409

When you tested in the guest account, did you sign in to the iBooks Store with the same ID and download any books?

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Answer 10

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 11, 2015 7:21 AM in response to Linc Davis

Yes, I was able to sign in and download books. It even remembered what page of the one I was trying to read when I got locked out.

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Answer 11

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 11, 2015 11:29 AM in response to sduck409

Do you use iTunes to synchronize books with a mobile device?

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Answer 12

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 11, 2015 11:35 AM in response to Linc Davis

I used to sync books between my ipad and iphone until iBooks stopped working. Once this happened I would get weird error messages during the sync process, and the sync would get hung up, not finishing. I found that by deleting all the books on the devices the sync would proceed normally.

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Answer 13

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 11, 2015 11:53 AM in response to sduck409

My question was whether you use iTunes to sync books.

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Answer 14

sduck409 Author

Level 1

77 points

Oct 11, 2015 11:56 AM in response to Linc Davis

Yes, I used to use itunes (via a wired usb connection) to sync the books between my computer and the 2 devices. Sorry if I wasn't clear - I forgot there are several other ways to sync things.

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Answer 15

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Oct 11, 2015 1:44 PM in response to sduck409

Back up all data.

As a test, please move the iTunes library folder from the Music folder (or wherever you keep it in your home folder) to the Desktop. If you've moved the library folder to another volume, unmount the volume.

Quit and relaunch iTunes. It may prompt you to create a new library, or to select an existing one. Create a new one.

Test iBooks.

After testing, quit again and put the original library back where it was, replacing the test library. Post your results.

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