ohashmi
Level 1 (4 points)
Photos for Mac

Q: Missing originals after copying photos library from external HDD to a new mac. How to get this fixed?

Move the photos library hosted on an external HDD over to a new mac.

I can open the app and import new pictures, however I can't seem to edit any of my previous pictures as it complains that the original was not found. The "Use as system library" button is greyed out which implies that the current photos library on the new mac is set as the system library.

I still have access to the external HDD although I have imported a couple hundred new pictures to the new mac.

 

How can I fix this?

MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016), iOS 9.3.5

Posted on Sep 13, 2016 8:54 AM

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ohashmi

Q: Missing originals after copying photos library from external HDD to a new mac. How to get this fixed?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Old Toad,Helpful

    Old Toad Old Toad Sep 13, 2016 12:29 PM in response to ohashmi
    Level 10 (141,223 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2016 12:29 PM in response to ohashmi

    How have you setup your library.  Are you using a "referenced" library?

    Pmanreflibrary.png

    If so then you've lost the links to the original files.

     

    Do you have the iCloud Photo Library enabled in Photos' iCloud preference pane?

    OTsig.png

  • by léonie,Helpful

    léonie léonie Sep 13, 2016 12:29 PM in response to ohashmi
    Level 10 (107,629 points)
    iCloud
    Sep 13, 2016 12:29 PM in response to ohashmi

    Check, if the original image files are still in your Photos Library.

     

    Ctrl-click the copy of the Photos Library on your new Mac, then select "Show Package Contents" from the contextual menu.

    The Window that opens will show the inside of your Photos Library. Select the folder Masters. It should have subfolders named year, month, day of import. Look for the missing photos in thee folders. Are the missing originals there?

     

    If yes, try to rebuild your Photos Library as described here:  https://help.apple.com/photos/mac/1.0/?lang=en#/pht6be18f93

     

    Important: You should back up your photo library before repairing your library.

     

    • If Photos is open, choose Photos > Quit Photos.
    • Press Option-Command and double-click the Photos icon in the Applications folder (or click the Photos icon in the Dock).The Repair Library window opens.
    • Click Repair to rebuild your photo library.