Upgrade StorageUpgrade to 64-bit problems
Yesterday, 23 August 2024, I upgraded the 32 bit version of Zotero. After, that had run and opened Zotero, there was a banner suggesting I upgrade to the 64-bit version of the software, which I did and then the problems began.
I ran the installer, which required a system reboot, so far so good. My system then hung on loading Windows and hung and hung. Not to worry, I held in the power button and did a cold restart- a forever black screen. I then attempted to get into system restore- no luck. From another computer I downloaded a Windows image iso from Microsoft, burnt it to a DVD, and booted the PC from the disc.
After selecting the Language and Regional settings, I clicked the "Repair your computer" option, and choose "Troubleshoot" at the next screen, from there went into System Restore, and used the latest restore point in the list, which successfully ran allowing me to boot into Windows.
Thinking the previous installations of Zotero were causing the issues, after foolishly going through the above process a second time, I thought to do a complete uninstall and a clean install of the 64 bit version of Zotero. Windows failed to uninstall Zotero, both from the Programs and Features api and the Settings apps. Time to call in specialised sofware, "Revo" didn't work so I used "Geek Uninstaller", which did. I still had to manually delete the Zotero Folders from the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders but left the C:\Users\me\Zotero folder intact, but took the precaution of backing it up first- just in case!.
I rebooted the PC, downloaded a fresh copy of the 64 bit installer, and successfully ran it. Finally everything was working again!!
I'm writing to let you know that some people might have problems upgrading and that there might be issues with the uninstall routine in the new set up exe. But as you can see, from what I've written above, resolving the problem might be very difficult for a user with limited technical knowledge and ability. I'm lucky, because in a previous incarnation I was an IT Manager in an organisation where troubleshooting tricky softeware issues was a routine part of the job.
I ran the installer, which required a system reboot, so far so good. My system then hung on loading Windows and hung and hung. Not to worry, I held in the power button and did a cold restart- a forever black screen. I then attempted to get into system restore- no luck. From another computer I downloaded a Windows image iso from Microsoft, burnt it to a DVD, and booted the PC from the disc.
After selecting the Language and Regional settings, I clicked the "Repair your computer" option, and choose "Troubleshoot" at the next screen, from there went into System Restore, and used the latest restore point in the list, which successfully ran allowing me to boot into Windows.
Thinking the previous installations of Zotero were causing the issues, after foolishly going through the above process a second time, I thought to do a complete uninstall and a clean install of the 64 bit version of Zotero. Windows failed to uninstall Zotero, both from the Programs and Features api and the Settings apps. Time to call in specialised sofware, "Revo" didn't work so I used "Geek Uninstaller", which did. I still had to manually delete the Zotero Folders from the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders but left the C:\Users\me\Zotero folder intact, but took the precaution of backing it up first- just in case!.
I rebooted the PC, downloaded a fresh copy of the 64 bit installer, and successfully ran it. Finally everything was working again!!
I'm writing to let you know that some people might have problems upgrading and that there might be issues with the uninstall routine in the new set up exe. But as you can see, from what I've written above, resolving the problem might be very difficult for a user with limited technical knowledge and ability. I'm lucky, because in a previous incarnation I was an IT Manager in an organisation where troubleshooting tricky softeware issues was a routine part of the job.
In any case, simply deleting C:\Program Files (x86)\Zotero and C:\Program Files\Zotero manually and reinstalling would always do the trick here. Certainly no need for any specialized software.