iPhoto '09: Missing libraries, other problems

Some users have reported that their iPhoto libraries are missing after the iLife '09 update. One reader writes:

"Got iLife '09 today via Fedex. Installed on MBP running 10.5.6 Fired up iPhoto. The application asked where was iPhoto library. My iPhoto library trashed during installation!"

For various reasons, users may have misplaced their iPhoto libraries on their drives. This might happen if users have intentionally placed their photos in other locations than the default "Pictures" folder, and then upgraded iPhoto or installed other updates which may have broken the link between iPhoto and the library. While it should be easy to search for the iphoto library, it appears that the system treats the library as a system file, and therefore does not include it in Spotlight and Finder searches by default. Therefore, a special search must be done to locate the library and point iPhoto to it.

Additionally, even if the library can be located, corruption may prevent Time Machine from working properly from within iPhoto, resulting in the same "empty library" behavior in iPhoto.

Fixes

Locate the iphoto library and restore it for "missing" libraries:

1. In the Finder press the "command-F" keys to open the search window.
2. Ensure "This Mac" is selected, and that you are searching for "File Name"
3. In the filters, click the "Kind" menu and select the "System files" option. If "System Files" is not available, then go to "Other" and search for that filter to add to the list.
4. With the filter selected, in the second menu select "include".
5. Finally search for "iPhoto Library" and note it's location.
6. Open iPhoto with the options key held, and select the iPhoto library from the location you found.

Use Time Machine or other backup in the Finder to replace "corrupt" libraries If your iPhoto library is in a known location and you have tried the first fix to restore it's functionality, it could be that the library itself is corrupted. This is a file called either "library6.iphoto" or "library.iphoto" that resides within the "iPhoto Library" package file, and is the catalog for all the photos in the library package. To restore this you will need to have a working backup. If you use Time Machine, follow the steps above to search for the iPhoto library on your drive, and then, in the Finder, use Time Machine to restore a backup of the library.

Excessive processor usage You may notice excessive processor usage after first launching iPhoto '09. One reader writes:

"When I launch the new iPhoto on my Macbook Core2Duo (6700 photos), the Activity Monitor App shows between 97% & 170% and my fans come on. I have 2 GB of RAM."

This increased usage is generally the result of the facial recognition function scanning through extant images. Depending on the size of your photo library, the process may take some time.

Location feature not working Some users have reported an issue in which the iPhoto '09 geotagging/location feature does not recognize that the user is online. If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Resources