I should ask, why your file copy failed the first time?

Does your wife use iPhoto? If so, her images are inside an iPhoto special folder and the individual images don't show up when you search. In this case, you just need to open the Pictures folder in her home folder, and copy what looks to be a file called "iPhoto Library". Place it on the new Mac in the same spot.

A quick way to get to the Pictures folder is to press Command-Shift-H in finder (goes to the home folder) then Pictures. There is also this option in the Go menu up top.