Unable to import large library backup

jefe

Very sorry for this one, as it's my own dumb fault.

I recently screwed up my library by merging duplicates that weren't really duplicates (my fault, not Zotero's). In trying to fix the issue I made it worse. Fortunately I have a backup of my entire library from a week previously, so I thought I'd simply delete my messed-up current library and restore the backup.

Unfortunately, when I try to import the file, the "Importing items..." bar hangs indefinitely. Occasionally I also get an error message:

"A sript on this page has stopped working:
Script: C:\Users\Jefe\AppData\Roaming\Zotero\Zotero\Profiles\az3xp8i8.default\zotero\translators\RDF.js:81"

This is strange, as a few hours before I WAS able to import the same file successfully (after which I promptly screwed everything up again).

I'm using Zotero Standalone 4.0.1.1 with the Chrome extension.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

adamsmith

This is definitely salvageable, but you likely could have made your life a lot easier.

First, note that RDF exports are not good back-ups.
http://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#backing_up_your_zotero_library
You'll get your library back, but if you used syncing it'll be a big mess and it will also create problems in existing Word documents. So the first thing to check would be if you have a recent HD back-up that includes the Zotero data folder
http://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data
In that case, restore your database using
http://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#restoring_your_zotero_library_from_a_backup
Even if you don't have a back-up, you may be able to properly restore your library using Zotero's last automatic back-up:
http://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#restoring_from_the_last_automatic_backup

If your changes had already synced, you will want to make sure to have sync off during this entire process. Once you're done restoring your library, use the "Restore to Server" function in the Sync-->Reset tab of the Zotero preferences.

If neither of these methods work, we'll need to go back to importing the RDF. How exactly did you delete your current library? The best way to do that would be to just move the zotero data folder and restart Zotero, which would then open with a fresh and empty library. You should be able to easily import your RDF into that library (though again, make sure you have syncing turned off).
If you deleted your items - as it sounds like you may have - you're creating a giant delete log that likely causes all types of problems (and is probably responsible for the frozen import.

Hope that helps.

jefe

adam, you're a lifesaver. Unfortunately what I ended up having to do was a clean install, which allowed me to import the RDF file. Now after some more tinkering everything seems in order. But thanks to your advice I know how to avoid this kind of stupid self-inflicted mess in the future.

Are there any weird things I should be on the lookout for in my restored library, since I imported it from an RDF? I imagine existing Word docs will be messed up, as you suggested, but that's relatively minor.

Also, for future reference, is it possible to backup collections from within my library individually?

adamsmith

Are there any weird things I should be on the lookout for in my restored library, since I imported it from an RDF? I imagine existing Word docs will be messed up, as you suggested, but that's relatively minor.

In terms of data, the only thing I'm aware of is that single field authors (i.e. what you'd use for institutional authors: http://zotero-manual.github.io/zotero-manual/adding-items#manually_adding_and_editing_creators) import incorrectly as the last name of a personal author, so you'd have to switch them back.

If you use syncing, you should run restore to server if you haven't already, else you might get a bunch of duplicates.

Also, for future reference, is it possible to backup collections from within my library individually?

no, a real back-up is always for the entire library (though, as you know, you can export RDF of collections).

jefe

Thanks again, adam! I really appreciate the help.