I have 99% of my images (raw) on an external HD, a total of 47000 images. 540 of them are missing: Means, the image file is gone, disapeared… I have no clue how this could happen. I never ever work on the file level on the external HD. This is Apertures job. There are three types of missing files:
1. Preview and thumb still available
2. Neither thumb nor preview available
3. Thumb crumbled (looking like a TV screen 25 years ago when the antenna was broken.)
Some have no rating, some have (from 1 to 5 stars).
In one occation, all files of a complete project are missing (i import files always into a new project inside folder “new images”)
None of the repair hints in this forum can help, as the files are definitly gone, at least spotlight cannot find it. I already searched inside the aplib package.
I'm really alarmed as long as there is no explanation. I have now created a album containing all missing images while also having a smart folder showing the actual situation. As long as the number is not increasing i might conclude that the bug is fixed with one of the latest updates. And if not - what should i do?
It is additionally to say, that my external data HD, a WD book, often powers off without being told. This more often happens with the backup HD, another WD book, on which i do backups only (using Time Machine). But his should not be of any influence to my data drive.
(search: by peter guttinger)
Peter,
1. Are your images managed or referenced ?
2. If they are referenced what happens when you right click on a missing image, (from inside Aperture), and select “Reveal in Finder” - can you see the image in the finder.
3. If you can see the image can the Finder thumbnail it ?
4. Can preview open it ?
If your images are managed - what happens when you try to export a version or export an original ? Error message ? What does it say ?
The OS can be set too spin down the hard drives on an external drive after a period of inactivity - is this what you mean by “powers off” or do you physically have to cycle the power to get it to come back ?
Have you run disk utility to check for errors on the hard disk.
While it could be an aperture related problem I would be suspecting a failing hard disk before anything else - find your last good backup of these files and “freeze” it - do no more backups until you find out more.
You say you have done all of the repair hints on this forum but could you be specific - exactly which one’s have you done ?
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Andrew Mumford
On the WD Book powering down — that absolutely can corrupt your library. Having a hard drive spontaneously drop is not good. You should look into replacing that drive asap.
@PhotoJoseph
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Andrew,
1. Are your images managed or referenced ? -> referenced
2. If they are referenced what happens when you right click on a missing image, (from inside Aperture), and select “Reveal in Finder” - can you see the image in the finder. -> no => LOST image
3. If you can see the image can the Finder thumbnail it ? The thumbnail ist somtimes available.
4. Can preview open it ? -> The preview ist somtimes available… (dito thumbnail)
Peter Guttinger
Peter.Guttinger
I would absolutely suspect a failing drive - you need to replace it ASAP.
Run Disk Utility to check the format and see what it tells you …
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Andrew Mumford
Joseph, Andrew,
my Aerture still loses images although i have replaced the disk: A 1TB WD replaced by a 2TB (2x1). This drive is also a “green” drive which WD says saves energy (i’m definitly less interested in laving power than saving my images). I believe WD saves the power by powering off the drive. Yesterday i counted (using smart folder) 1170 missing images (missing! not offline). The number rises every month. A backup does not really help, as i recognise the missing file to late.
What says against the theory of a bad disk is the fact, that most thumb nails and previews also are either missing (black thumb) or the thumb is corrupted. Will try to upload a print screen.
Next, this night, i will recreate the library and “report” the result after having a few days/weeks of experience.
Peter.Guttinger