If the Picture Keeper app will not open on your computer and shows a JavaScript error, an L501 code, or a similar message, this article will get you running again.
These errors come from the copy of the app that is pre-installed on the drive itself. The quickest fix is to install the free Store version of the app instead — your existing backups on the drive are not affected, and you do not need to redo them.
DOES THIS MATCH WHAT YOU ARE SEEING?
All of the following point to the same problem and have the same fix:
- A window titled "A JavaScript error occurred in the main process".
- An error code of L501 when the app starts.
- On Mac, an error code of L530 when the app starts.
- On Windows, a message reading "Cannot find module" followed by a file name ending in native.node.
- The app opens and closes again immediately, or never shows a window at all.
THE FIX ON MAC
- Click this link to open the Picture Keeper app page in the Mac App Store.
- Click Get, then Install. The app is free.
- Open the new app from your Applications folder or Launchpad.
- Plug in your Picture Keeper and continue as normal.
THE FIX ON WINDOWS
- Click this link to open the Picture Keeper app page in the Microsoft Store.
- Click Get and wait for the app to install. The app is free.
- Click Open, or find Picture Keeper in your Start menu.
- Plug in your Picture Keeper and continue as normal.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BACKUPS?
Nothing. Your photos and files stay on the drive exactly where they are. The Store version of the app reads the same drive and picks up from your existing backups — there is no need to start over, and nothing is deleted.
You can leave the copy of the app that came on the drive where it is, or remove it. Either way, use the Store version from now on.
If the Store version still will not open, contact us and let us know your computer's operating system and the exact error message you see, and we will help you from there.