Photo Library Cannot be Restored Error: "Can't be copied because there isn't enough free space".

Mindwatering Incorporated

Author: Tripp W Black

Created: 02/17/2017 at 12:31 AM

 

Category:
OS X Tips & Hints
IPhoto

Issue.
Desiring to restore a fairly large Photos / iPhoto library. The hard drive space is less than 2x the size of the photo library. There should be plenty of free space, but it's like the file is being copied twice to run out of space.

Confirmation:
Time Machine uses a local Backup folder. In System Information utility, the Storage tab will display the LOCALLY used space.

Solution:
Three options:

1. Restore to another external drive. With this option, the local "cache" will only be used one.

2. Turn the slider to off for Time Machine in System Preferences (Gear) --> Time Machine before copying.
a. Turn Time Machine slider to off.
b. Restore/copy the large iPhoto library back to Pictures folder.
c. Turn Time Machine slider back on.

3. Turn on the local cache. You may need to do one manual backup to remove the local files.
$ sudo tmutil disablelocal

After you done, you can turn it back on:
$ sudo tmutil enablelocal




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