Password protect the iPhoto image library
Feb 10, '05 09:42:00AM
Contributed by: dtheory
If for some reason, you wanted to password protect your iPhoto library, here is an easy way to do it. Remember, always back up everything and don't mess with anything you don't understand. I accept no responsibility for any screw-ups, data loss, etc. Simply create an encrypted sparse disk image using the functionality in Disk Utility. Mount the image, and you will be asked for a password at this time -- note it well! You will put your iPhoto library on this mounted disk image, and treat it like any removable disk.
- Copy your iPhoto library to the mounted image.
- Move your original iPhoto library to a secure location other than where it usually lives for back up (for example the Desktop or your documents folder)
- Create an alias to the copy of your iPhoto library that is now on the (mounted) sparse image in your user's Pictures directory (this is the usual place for your iPhoto library).
- Launch iPhoto to test -- your collection of photos and albums should display normally while being read from the disk image.
- Quit iPhoto
- Eject the mounted disk image.
To prove the protection is in place, launch iPhoto and you will be asked for the password for the sparse disk image. Provide it, and the image will mount ... voila!
[robg adds: I haven't tested this one.]
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