iPhoto 4.0.2/4.0.3: Problems resolved by version 4.0.3; Loss of entire photo library

As we reported last week, Apple pulled the iPhoto 4.0.2 update (released Monday) two days later on Wednesday. Several readers have encountered issues with the 4.0.2 release that are resolved by applying the 4.0.3 updater.

Book ordering MacFixIt reader Enrique had an issue with ordering published photo books using the Share>Order Book function in iPhoto 4.0.2. After updating to version 4.0.3, the "Order Book" function once again works.

"Just to update on my previous report, my ordering problem with iPhoto 4.0.2 is now fixed with 4.0.3. I have been able to order a book with no problem."

Slow opening/closing Gabriel Dorado reports that slow launch and quit times were alleviated by the 4.0.3 update:

"After installing iPhoto 4.0.2 on Mac OS X 10.3.4, the application took too much time opening and closing, showing the spinning color wheel). Besides, Safari 1.2.2 crashed frequently.

"After installing iPhoto 4.0.3 all such problems have gone for good. Thus, I recommend such upgrade at least to all users with iPhoto 4.0.2 already installed."

Loss of entire photo library in 4.0.3 Despite resolution of a number of issues that cropped up with the 4.0.2 release of iPhoto, some users are having major issues with the 4.0.3 release for which we are seeking confirmation. MacFixIt reader Rick writes:

"Tonight (8/8/04) I was printing some images from iPhoto in 4-up format on my HP photo printer. I successfully printed the first 8 photos. When I went to print the next 4, the preview was empty -- no photos (although they still showed in the 'organize' view). I quit iPhoto and restarted. Now, there are no photos in my Library. I use iPhoto Library Manager and keep my photos on an external 250GB disk. If I browse the disk, there is nothing in the iPhoto Library! I even used terminal, did a 'cd' to the directory and 'ls -al.' Still nothing. Somehow my entire library of 2004 photos -- over 1000 of them -- is simply gone.

"I updated to iPhoto 4.0.2 when it became available, but didn't use it. When 4.0.3 became available, I immediately updated. It 'updated' the iPhoto database/library. But, everything seemed to work fine for the last couple of days. Then, when trying to print some (critical) images related to an insurance claim, all images in the library disappeared."

Library updates are a normal part of the iPhoto upgrade process, and should not result in issues like the one described above. If you have experienced a similar issue, please drop us a line at late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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