Library erased, backed up items not importing

spooler123
While inserting a citation I received an error message that my library was damaged and will close but a version was backed up at that time. I have a file that was retrieved from my hard drive when the crash occurred. It is a "zotero.sqlite.1.bak" with 7.9MB in it. I've read all the forum posts about trying to recover my lost library and whenever I try to import this sqlite file Zotero gives me an error message that says it's in a supported format and takes me to a page of supported formats - I followed these directions too and am utterly lost and hopelessly frustrated.
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  • dstillman
    Use the DB Repair Tool.
  • dstillman
    But you don't "import" an sqlite file. When Zotero starts up, it just reads whatever file is named zotero.sqlite. So if you want to try a backup, you need to move the existing one out of the way and copy the backup into place.

    (If that works, though, you should check your database integrity in the Advanced -> Files and Folders pane of the Zotero preferences, since the backup may be corrupted as well.)
  • adamsmith
    detailed instructions here:
    http://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#restoring_your_zotero_library_from_a_backup
  • spooler123
    Ok I used the DB Repair tool and have unzipped the sqlite file and now have a "zotero.sqlite" file. I tried dragging and dropping (I'm on a Mac) and importing but it still says "the file is not in a supported format". I'm having trouble with "place the extracted zotero.sqlite in your Zotero data directory, replacing the existing file", If there is a zotero.sqlite.is.corrupt file in the directory, delete it."
  • spooler123
    Adam, thanks - I've already tried everything on that page - I think I'm still not sure what the 'data directory' is. Is that on my hard drive?
  • adamsmith
    you should ideally read through most of this page:
    http://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data
    as you're still completely on the wrong track.

    Restoring from a back-up is not something you do in Zotero. You find the data folder in your file system (i.e. in Finder), close Zotero and, if relevant, Firefox, and then replace the zotero.sqlite in your data folder with the one you backed up.
  • adamsmith
    At the top of that page:
    The easiest and most reliable way to find your Zotero data directory is by clicking the “Show Data Directory” button in the Advanced tab of your Zotero Preferences window.
    and yes, it's on your harddisk - clicking that button will open a window in your file browser.
  • spooler123
    Dan, how exactly do I "you need to move the existing one out of the way and copy the backup into place."?
  • spooler123
    Adam, thanks for your help. I've read through that page and am still confused... how do I "replace the zotero.sqlite in your data folder with the one you backed up."? where is my data folder? When I did the DB repair tool it put a new "zotero.sqlite" file in my downloads, what do I do with it now?
  • dstillman
    edited December 11, 2013
    where is my data folder?
    The very first section on the page is "Locating your Zotero Library". We can't really make it clearer than what's there. If you need help beyond that and aren't able to ask more specific questions, you're going to have to get someone to help you in person.
  • spooler123
    I've been to the 'show data directory' a bunch of times and I've chosen customize to try to get it to 'point' to the "zotero.sqlite" file but that file is whited out and inaccessable
  • spooler123
    Thanks for your help and I'm sorry I'm confused. I appreciate your help. How would I get someone to help me in person?
  • adamsmith
    no, leave that folder where it is, don't mess with the location.
    Open it by clicking the show data directory button.
    It will have a file zotero.sqlite in it.
    Close Zotero (but leave the folder open).
    Move the zotero.sqlite file out of the folder.
    Move the zotero.sqlite file from your download folder into that folder.
    Restart Zotero.

    Just to re-iterate: all of the actual action happens in Finder/your file browser. You should have Zotero closed for everything but the very first step (i.e. finding the data folder).
  • adamsmith
    Help in person - depends on where you are. Many academic libraries support Zotero to some degree.
    If not, a friend who doesn't have to use Zotero her/himself but is good with computers would be able to read & follow the instructions.
  • spooler123
    WOOO WHOOOOO!!!!! IT WORKED!!!!
    now it says "Zotero can now sync the full-text content of files in your Zotero libraries with zotero.org and other linked devices, allowing you to easily search for your files wherever you are. The full-text content of your files will not be shared publicly.

    You can change this setting later from the Sync pane of the Zotero preferences. Do I click on "Use Full-Text Syncing"?
  • adamsmith
    depends on what you want, but generally it's recommended, yes.
  • spooler123
    Ok I clicked yes to it. Awesome. So how do make sure it's backed up in case this happens again? I'm not sure if I have the stand alone or Firefox. How does the syncing work?
  • adamsmith
    you should just have time machine set up to back-up your entire harddisk onto an external harddrive regularly. That will automatically include a back-up of all your Zotero data.
    Syncing can help you out in a pinch, but is not a replacement for a proper back-up.
    It's documented here:
    http://www.zotero.org/support/sync
  • spooler123
    On the upper right corner of Zotero I noticed a red ! saying there was an error with the sync and to click on the sync icon - I did and it came up with a conflict resolution page asking me which version I'd like to keep - a local object that says 'deleted' or a remote object or a merged object - both remote and merged only have 'zotero quick start guide' in them
    What should I do?
  • adamsmith
    doesn't matter. Select one, click next.
  • spooler123
    Ok, I selected the remote object one and all it says in it is "Welcome to Zotero!
    View the Quick Start Guide to learn how to begin collecting, managing, citing, and sharing your research sources. Thanks for installing Zotero."

    This makes me nervous because it looks like it is empty and I don't want to wipe out my library just when I got it back

    The option is to select "chose this version" at the bottom and then 'done'
  • dstillman
    Just click through.
  • spooler123
    Ok. It finished syncing. Whew! I think I'm good to go.

    THANKS!!

    I appreciate your help!
  • adamsmith
    (this is just one item, won't affect the rest of your library)
  • spooler123
    Great. Thanks again!!
  • spooler123
    Ok, now that my library is back, I'm unable to import from Firefox into it. When I click the icon (book or document etc.) in the Firefox the Zotero window comes up at the bottom and says importing into Zotero library.... but when I check my library it's not there (I've tried this multiple times with multiple formats (books, documents etc.)
  • dstillman
    How are you checking, exactly?
  • spooler123
    Thanks for your reply. I'm looking in the Zotero library. Specifically, I open Zotero from my finder and open Firefox and click on the icon and then look in the Zotero library that opened from the finder
  • adamsmith
    don't open Zotero from Finder for the moment. Just open Firefox and click on the icon. Do the new items appear there?
  • spooler123
    Ok, I closed the Zotero from the Finder and clicked on a book link from the Firefox browser bar. It said 'saving to library'. Nothing happened. Should I reopen Zotero from my finder to check?
    Also, I don't see the 'Zotero' name on the bottom of my Firefox window like I used to. I checked my Firefox preferences and in 'add ons' and Zotero 4.0.16 is there

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