Problem copying iPhoto library (filename already exists)

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Level 1

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Problem copying iPhoto library (filename already exists)

I want to copy my iPhoto library (241GB) from one EHD to another.

After about 203GB I get an error message saying it can't be copied because a filename already exists.

There was an existing iPhoto library on the destination EHD (in a different folder) which I renamed. I also tried copying to Pictures on my iMac hard drive where there was no library. Same error repeats.

In some old posts I saw reference to showing the package contents and deleting a duplicate file. I don't know if that is a solution - tried that but am not sure what I am looking for.

Posted on Sep 4, 2018 2:22 PM

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Answer 1

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Old Toad

Level 10

215,784 points

Sep 4, 2018 3:36 PM in response to Doug Clo

How are the EHD's, particularly the one you're copying to, formatted? Then should be formatted OS X Extended (journaled) as shown in this screenshot:

and it must not be case sensitive.

If the drives are formatted correctly and you're still unable to copy try using a cloning/copying app like Carbon Copy Cloner, SuperDuper! or ChronoSync to copy the library to the second EHD.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,784 points

Sep 4, 2018 3:36 PM in response to Doug Clo

Having the original EHD case sensitive is causing the problem. If you can off load the files from that drive to another drive and reformat it so it's not case sensitive you'll avoid issues in the future.

If there's enough space on the second EHD do the following:

1 - rename the library that has the nearly completed book.

2 - delete the Photos out of that library that you don't need in the book to reduce the library size.

3 - copy an new backup of your current working library to the backup disk.

Are you in an environment where the external HDs might be susceptible to theft? If not consider reformatting both drives unencrypted and non-case sensitive. That will simplify transfers greatly in the future.

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Answer 3

Doug Clo Author

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Sep 4, 2018 3:04 PM in response to Yer_Man

La Cie - source. Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted)

Western Digital - destination. Mac OS Extended (Journaled)

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Answer 4

léonie

Level 10

200,651 points

Sep 5, 2018 2:47 AM in response to Doug Clo

Which version of MacOS Extended do you have installed?With MacOS 10.13.x High Sierra you may encounter all kinds of problems, if one of the drives is case-sensitive. many users reported that they could not import videos or Live Photos from iPhones, because the video components could not be found, or similar. It is worth it to go to the trouble to get the case-sensitive problem out of the way.

This document explains the formatting of external drives to be used with photo libraries in more detail (this applies to iPhoto, Aperture, Photos): https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201517

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Answer 5

Doug Clo Author

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6 points

Sep 4, 2018 10:46 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks OT

I copied the library using Chronosync, and all seems good - most up to date version in the right place.

I'll look at the comments re formatting the one HD.

Thanks for the help.

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Answer 6

Yer_Man

Level 10

165,984 points

Sep 4, 2018 3:02 PM in response to Doug Clo

What format is the external?

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Answer 7

Doug Clo Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 4, 2018 3:12 PM in response to Old Toad

The drives I've tried copying to are formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)

But drive where its coming from is different - Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted)

As context the library I am wanting to copy was my Chronosync copy (on LaCie drive) of the working library (on WD drive). I made a mistake and must have edited (creating new photobook) in the Chronosync copy. I am wanting to copy this back to WD drive to make it my original and re-setup my Chronosync copies - to avoid having to recreate the photobook I have been working on.

Can I make a chronosync copy back onto the WD and tart from there?

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Answer 8

Doug Clo Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 4, 2018 3:37 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks for the comments. I'll try that.

On the point of reformatting drives .... if I copy my existing Time Machine backup elsewhere can I continue to use that for backups, or will the 'link' be broken and I will have to start a new ™ backup?

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