Upgrade StorageZotero will not open
I keep getting a notice that says "there was an error starting Zotero." When I look in my applications folder, it isn't there. When I try to re-download it, I get an alert saying that a security and stability update is available, but I can't click on it, because the "there was an error starting Zotero" alert is in front of it (when I try to close this, both windows close). Help!
If not, you're note seeing the same error. In that case, please start a new thread and see here:
https://www.zotero.org/support/reporting_problems#reporting_startup_errors
(also, I'd advise against performing any troubleshooting step more than once. it's a waste of your time and worst case it can make troubleshooting harder)
Forget about the auto-updater within Zotero — that should normally work, but since you're having trouble, the solution here is just to download Zotero from the download page and install it, replacing the current version.
What exact steps are you taking to open Zotero, and what is the full exact message?
Exact steps:
1. Either open zotero in finder (using command and space bar; type in zotero in the finder window) OR open my applications folder and double click on Zotero.
2. Once I open Zotero, two error messages pop up at the same time. The larger one is the "Software Update" message - it states "A security and stability update for Zotero has been downloaded and is ready to be installed" and at the bottom of the message are two buttons: The left button is "Restart later" and the right button is "Restart Zotero". I cannot click either button b/c there is an "Alert" pop up that states: "There was an error starting Zotero". I can't even click the "OK" button on the alert...it won't let me. So, I have to force quit zotero.
I sent an e-mail.
Thank you so much for your help. I am not trying to sound frustrated...I am very grateful for all of your support.
Also, what macOS version is this?
I downloaded from the download page again. Now Zotero will open, but now only one message pops up: "Software Update" - it states "A security and stability update for Zotero has been downloaded and is ready to be installed" and at the bottom of the message are two buttons: The left button is "Restart later" and the right button is "Restart Zotero". I tried clicking "Restart Zotero", and it immediately restarts Zotero, but that same message pops up. The "Alert" pop up has gone away and I no longer have to force quit zotero.
Then delete that Zotero folder. I'm guessing that will clear this up, and the ZIP file might help us figure out why this happened to you.
(Starting up Zotero produces "there was an error starting Zotero" and also asks me to restart Zotero to finish installing update 4.0.29.14. I have tried restarting Zotero several times but the dialogue boxes comes up each time.)
I have tried restarting the computer and resinstalled Zotero yesterday; am about to reinstall again to see if I can successfully download 4.0.29.15 this time.
ETA: Actually, I've fixed it before by redownloading Zotero, but it's not working this time. Hmm.
Huh, I could *swear* I was looking at the right folder before (and my computer is having issues lately and sometimes large folders like "Applications" take time to fully populate).