Zotero data syncing and WebDAV

bastienllamas · September 21, 2016

I have my Zotero database (with >2200 pdf attachments) located on Owncloud, and I use it from several computers. Current settings are:

Zotero Sync Server
Username: myusername@gmail.com
Password: .........

Linked Attachments Base Directory
/Users/bastien/ownCloud/zotero/storage

Data Directory Location
Custom: /Users/bastien/ownCloud/zotero

It worked okay for the past year, although I had to purge conflicted copies of the actual sql database on my different computers, and it took several minutes to sync the database (~190kb). Then I realised adamsmith does not recommend my settings, so now I would like to use the WebDAV option to sync attachments only... What is the recommended way to do it given my current settings? Will I be able to use zotero from multiple computers, and still have access to the attachments?

adamsmith · September 21, 2016

(more importantly than me not recommending your settings is that Zotero and its developers warn against them).
First, you'd move your Zotero data directory out of any cloud-synced folder.
Then, find out your webDAV username and password from ownCloud. Set file sync in Zotero to webDAV and insert your username and password (you'll now have to separate sets of login info in that window: Zotero's (for data sync) and webDAV/ownCloud (for file sync).
Then sync your files.

bastienllamas · September 22, 2016

(Oops, correct, I meant Zotero recommendations...)

Thanks for your help, it seems to be working so far. Zotero has started to sync the >2200 pdf attachments, and the WebDAV connection is okay. I can also open the attachment from other computers, so it looks good. I will let you know if I run into issues...