retrieve library after factory-resetting laptop

ChinaDoll2054

[Split from My Library disappeared]

Hello all.
I need to start by explaining that I have minimal tech skills. I used Zotero while doing my doctorate and learned then how to navigate but never really learnt things like data directory, how to ensure data direction etc.
And actually, never had a problem despite having changed laptops twice. Each transfer from lap to laptop worked fine. Recently, my Mac Air had to be repaired and the Genius Bar genius told me to factory reset it. I did the usual backup but not for Zotero specifically. Both my Web library and my laptop showed blanks. I reinstalled and have now looks like I have to rebuild the library. Which contains 4 years of work. Questions, if someone can help:
1. is there a chance I can somehow retrieve the library?
2. Got a message this morning that I am synching to an empty library. I tried following the instructions on library paths but honestly, don't understand.
Can someone teach me what to do?

dstillman

You haven't been syncing, so I'm afraid there's no data to retrieve from Zotero servers (other than the dozen items you can see in the web library here). Your only option would be restoring your Zotero data directory from some other backup you made.

The Genius Bar should never have had you wipe your computer without making a complete Time Machine backup of your computer onto an external disk.

ChinaDoll2054

Thank you. I appreciate your response . From what you say, I guess I can stop trying to retrieve the library since I don't have a backup for the library. The stuff you see there is me starting to rebuild the library. Sigh.

To be fair, the Genius Bar did say do "a backup." The fault, I guess, is mine. I should have asked more questions and specifically, about my Zotero library.
Thank you again for the assistance.

ChinaDoll2054

dstillman,
if you don't mind, a tutorial please. I read a little about how to synch but don't understand what I need to do to ensure that my Zotero account is keeping the information. So,
1. what is the "data direction" path that I need to put in settings to ensure proper synching?
2. Do I need to save my library during a Time Machine backup to ensure I don't lose it again? Appreciate instructions.

tim820

See:
https://www.zotero.org/support/sync
https://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#backing_up_your_zotero_data

ChinaDoll2054

Thank you, tim820.

I tried following the links but I guess I am your typical academic. File directories, data paths, recovery paths, etc. simply don't make sense to me. I end up spending all day looking up the terms and trying to figure out what they mean and often, only come out a little more frustrated. Nonetheless, I appreciate the response. I shall try to stay calm and follow on. Thanks.

aborel

Trying to answer more directly:
1. You don't really need to know the data directory to ensure proper syncing, normally Zotero will just use the default and everything should be just fine.
2. Yes, make sure your Zotero library is covered by your Time Machine backup for optimal safety. To locate the directory: https://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#locating_your_zotero_data

And if you're a typical academic, you should not hesitate to ask for support at your institution - there's probably someone knowledgeable at your library, or in the IT department?

dstillman

Time Machine backs up the entire disk by default. If you're using Zotero syncing and using Time Machine, you have nothing to worry about.

If you're using Zotero syncing and not using Time Machine, you're also fine for most situations (e.g., your laptop crashing), but it's not a true backup — Zotero syncing doesn't currently provide any version history, so you could make a mistaken local change that immediately overwrote the online version. (Zotero itself does make local backups going back a couple days, though.)