binsjohn

It's been more than a month now since Photos started quitting about ten seconds after launch. I've been in touch with Apple's Photos tech support and we have tried many things to determine the cause of the problem. Here are a few take-aways:
• I can create new libraries that run without issues, but they aren't "system libraries", so I can't access all the "Albums" I've created in the system library over the years, about 100.
• The photos in the system library are not the cause of the issue. When I move them to a new library there is no problem. The problem seems to be with a corrupted file somewhere within Photos' system library architecture, but they still haven't found it.
• The tech had me run some extensive diagnostics and send them to Apple's engineers for analysis, but they've had them for five weeks now and there has been no response.
• Both my iMac and MacBook Pro have the same issue.

I'm getting ready for some trips this year and really need to fix this issue. If anyone with a Mac who uses Photos has had a similar experience and knows how to fix it I'd be forever grateful for some help.

itsnoelb Loc: Edgewater, FL. Originally: FLINT. MI.

If possible, back up your photos on an external hard drive NOW! Before any more attempts accidentally lose them. Good luck.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Have you been using TIME MACHINE?

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

What OS X are you using? chase

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I have never had a problem with Photos--sorry, can’t help.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

Very interesting and strange that you have the same problem on both computers. Did you buy them new? From the same place?
I would back up all my data and reinstall the whole operating system.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204904
Hope you will fix it.

binsjohn

Time to answer a few of your questions:
1) I'm using 10.13.3 on both computers.
2) I bought both computer new from Apple. The iMac about 2-3 years ago and the MacBook Pro about six months ago when the latest version came out with the screen that replaces the function keys.
3) Yes, I've been using Time Machine since it was first released.

I'd like to add that the Apple tech said my photo library is not at risk. Plus, I'm fully backed up via Time Machine and iCloud. He also said he relatively confident that the problem lies deep within some obscure non-photo file. I'm just pray that someone has had a similar issue and knows how to fix it.

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

Since you're thoroughly backed up, why not do what someone suggested and reinstall the entire OS? But do it under Apple Tech Support supervision to avoid pitfalls. Or, ask Apple what is taking so long in engineering. Five months is ridiculous. I've never had a problem with support and they are still helping me with issues stemming from my own mistakes and my MacBook Pro is 4 years old. Apple is the best so stay on top of them.

binsjohn

Thanks for the suggestion to reinstall the entire OS. The problem began before I upgraded to 10.13.3, so the tech didn't think a reinstall was necessary. It couldn't hurt, though, and I'm getting desperate now. Also, I'm not sure where you got the impression that the issue has been around for five months. I first had the problem in early January and reported it soon after. So, it has now been about five weeks. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that in an earlier post.

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

You were perfectly clear. I simply had a brain cramp. But even five weeks is a long time.

binsjohn

Yes, five weeks of waiting with no answer has been torturous. So, I just fired off an e-mail to the Apple tech asking about reinstalling the OS. I hope to hear from him soon. Thanks for your interest.

Linckinn Loc: Okatie, SC and Edgartown, MA

Try making a different (or new) library the “system library”. If that works you know it is the current system library file which is corrupted, which, by the way, I have never heard of happening. If so, you can move all the pictures to the new system library, but that won’t get back your albums. Should not be too difficult to recreate the albums using Photos’ search function, which will find keywords, descriptions, titles, places, or even things like dogs, beaches, snow, etc

Also, do you have the actual system library file, not just the pictures, backed up?

binsjohn

If I do that will the EXIF data move to the new library with the photos? That would give me the date each photo was taken and make it easier to put it in the right album.

lievka

Is your RAM Apple original or other ?

binsjohn

Apple original.