Upgrade StorageTransferring Zotero database and linked files to new computer with different drive
I know this question has been asked before, so I’m sorry to reiterate it. I’m just a little scared and was hoping for some reassurance/corrections on the steps for doing this. I’ve written these out in some detail using my actual files names and locations.
On my current computer, my Zotero data files are at C:\Users\leiff\Zotero. I use Zotfile to put my linked files in the following location: D:\Dropbox\3-Zotero. On my new computer, there is a not a D drive, so my local Dropbox folder will be at C:\Users\leiff\Dropbox\3-Zotero.
I know there may be some different ways to do this, but here is the method that seems the most clear to me:
1. Copy the Zotero data folder (the “Zotero” folder at C:\Users\leiff) to an external drive.
2. Close Zotero on old computer.
3. Copy the Zotero data folder from the external drive to the folder to the same location on the new computer (C:\Users\leiff)
4. Install Zotero on the new computer. (Zotero on the new computer should then use the copied Zotero data folder).
5. Install ZotFile and set “Location of Files” to C:\Users\leiff\Dropbox\3-Zotero.
6. Close Zotero.
7. Install Dropbox and sync all files to the new computer.
8. Re-open Zotero. Should work?
9. If it doesn’t work, delete everything from the new computer and start again (just confirming that this is the case).
Again, I’d appreciate any corrections, concerns, additional considerations/steps. Thank you for your time!
On my current computer, my Zotero data files are at C:\Users\leiff\Zotero. I use Zotfile to put my linked files in the following location: D:\Dropbox\3-Zotero. On my new computer, there is a not a D drive, so my local Dropbox folder will be at C:\Users\leiff\Dropbox\3-Zotero.
I know there may be some different ways to do this, but here is the method that seems the most clear to me:
1. Copy the Zotero data folder (the “Zotero” folder at C:\Users\leiff) to an external drive.
2. Close Zotero on old computer.
3. Copy the Zotero data folder from the external drive to the folder to the same location on the new computer (C:\Users\leiff)
4. Install Zotero on the new computer. (Zotero on the new computer should then use the copied Zotero data folder).
5. Install ZotFile and set “Location of Files” to C:\Users\leiff\Dropbox\3-Zotero.
6. Close Zotero.
7. Install Dropbox and sync all files to the new computer.
8. Re-open Zotero. Should work?
9. If it doesn’t work, delete everything from the new computer and start again (just confirming that this is the case).
Again, I’d appreciate any corrections, concerns, additional considerations/steps. Thank you for your time!
You want to start by setting the "Linked Attachment Base Directory" (Under Files and Folders in the preferences) to D:\Dropbox\3-Zotero on your old computer.
Then do your steps 1-4 as well as 7 on the new computer.
Now set the base directory to "C:\Users\leiff\Dropbox\3-Zotero" on the new computer and check that linked files open.
You can then install ZotFile (or Zotmoov for Zotero 7) for Zotero to make sure that new files are moved to Dropbox as they were previously, but, again, this has nothing to do with existing files.
Finally, if anything doesn't work, I'd recommend not deleting and restarting but specific troubleshooting. It's likely something minor that can be solved in 5mins and drastic steps during troubleshooting make everything more complicated.
One other question: Does the order matter in terms of installing Zotero on the new computer and syncing/copying the linked folder? For example, could I start with installing Dropbox and syncing all of my files to the new computer, and then copy in the Zotero data file, install Zotero and update the "Linked Attachment Base Directory"?