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Transferring photos in iPhoto

Avatar Michael Corgan
A new Beaminster member has been given a MacBook to replace an old Powerbook G4 by her son (think I'll send this to my son to see if he takes the hint!) She wants to know:

a) why does her 3i dongle not work when she plugs it into the new laptop?
Could it be that it needs setting up for the new laptop? I have suggesteed that she try 3i's site to see if there is anything helpful there but maybe someone in WAMUG knows the answer.
b) how can she transfer photos from her old version of iPhoto on the PowerBook onto iPhoto on the new computer?

Another query is yet to be sorted out regarding transferring a video, but she isn't sure at the moment what the format is not where it is on her Powerbook. This may come up later.

Any answers welcome - I can't help as I don't use iPhoto (isn't Appleworks wonderful!)

Re: Transferring photos in iPhoto

Avatar Euan Williams
Hi Mike, Appleworks is just a teensy bit the Ancient of Days, but out here in the bracing (and mercifully dry and sunny) fresh air of OSX 7,8,9 we like to know a bit of technical detail: Which OS is your member using on each Mac, and what version of MacBook is the newly-gifted machine? No idea why we keep having to ask for this basic info.

Some pointers:
1. Utilities > Migration Assistant with an ethernet cable (or a Firewire cable if both Macs have the connections).
2. Go > Connect to Server (VNC method works best). Ensure that both screen sharing and file sharing are 'on' in System Preferences > Sharing. The VNC address is quoted in recent versions of Mac OS prefs

iPhoto libraries are all held in one file with an iPhoto library icon in recent OSX versions. These can be dragged and dropped -- and transferred by dongle (memory stick).

Remember that the dongle will be formatted from the shop for MS-DOS FAT rather than MacOS, which can limit what can be copied (without corruption or outright refusal) to files rather than executables (apps). If necessary Disk Utility can reformat it either way.

3i dongle:
probably a bit worn; try blowing gently into the plug on the dongle, odd bits of fluff can get in the way of those rather fine contacts.

Alternatively, press the dongle fully into the slot and gently wiggle it, very slightly withdrawing it as you go -- if it is blessed with an activity light and that comes, on stop wiggling. It's the Mac equivalent of the bees' waggle dance.

If you're both stuck 'phone me.

Re: Transferring photos in iPhoto

Avatar Michael Corgan
Thanks for the comprehensive rely Euan. I would have expected nothing less.

I'll pass the info on to the lady and will probably have to run up to Beaminster with a USB cable and memory stick as she possesses neither and I suspect might find it a tad difficult to sort out her iPhoto files.

Glad you fell for the Appleworks mention - just imagine if one COULD keep photos in that revered app! Mind you I wouldn't be at all surprised if it were feasible, but I prefer the ease of iView

Re: Transferring photos in iPhoto

Avatar Mick Burrell
iPhoto Library:

I agree with Euan as that is actually the best method of transfer. However, for a beginner, I would suggest using a USB stick as being simpler to understand.

1) Locate the library on the old machine (user/Library/Pictures), right click (or control click) and choose Get Info.

2) If less than 4GB in size, skip this step otherwise format a USB stick to Mac OS Extended (Journaled)

3) Copy iPhoto Library to USB stick

4) On new machine in Finder, hold down the Alt key and click Go. This will reveal the user library in the latest operating systems.

5) Rename the existing iPhoto Library to something like Was iPhoto Library

6) Copy the iPhoto Library from the USB stick to Pictures

7) Open iPhoto and allow it to update the iPhoto Library to the new format

My guess with the dongle would be that the software she has on the old computer will not work on the new computer. She needs to go to the 3i website and download the latest version
 
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