Update to Zotero 5 - no data arrives when I sync

fentonrc

Been using Zotero 4 on Mac. Updated to 5 today. The panes are all totally blank. No library, no quickstart links.

I looked at the KB here https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/data_missing_after_zotero_5_upgrade

It looks like data migration was successful (ish): there is no database file in the old location ( /Users//Library/Application Support/Zotero/Profiles//zotero). Nor in Firefox profiles.

In the new location ( Users//Zotero) I have the following:
zotero.sqlite 4.6mb Created Sep 18 2011, modified today at 14:23
zotero.sqlite.1.bak 4.4mb created Dec 19 2017 (last opened same time)
zotero.sqlite.76.bak 4.8mb Created Dec 15 2017 (ditto)
zotero.sqlite.bak 4.4mb Created Dec 21 2017 (ditto)

I have tried to sync -- and when I hover over the sync button, the hovertext says "last sync: 15 minutes ago" but nothing appeared to change.

Online library still looks good. Sadly I last backed up my database file in September. I'm copying all the sqlite files I have right now.

I have access to another computer without Zotero on it and could try doing a fresh setup on it... but I'm wary of doing anything that could jeopardize my data.

What should my next move be? Thanks for any advice.

fentonrc

To add: I have not tried unlinking and relinking my account in Preferences.

dstillman

Can you provide a Report ID to start? There's a good chance this is just a startup error of some sort and your data is fine. Your databases look correct and like they have data in them.

dstillman

Well, also, when you say "blank", do you mean that you don't even see "My Library" in the left-hand pane? If so this is definitely a startup error.

fentonrc

Interestingly, nothing happens when I click Report errors...!

And yes, there is nothing at all in the left hand pane, or any other.

I've restarted once with no change. Would it make sense to try a fresh download?

dstillman

Try this: https://www.zotero.org/support/reporting_problems#reporting_startup_errors

fentonrc

Thanks, will do and report back.

fentonrc

I'm back! When I restarted with Debug enabled, my library populated! hooray.

Debug ID D1268495071

dstillman

OK, that wasn't meant to actually fix anything, just to provide more info on what was happening. Try just restarting normally.

fentonrc

Ha. When I restart I first get blank panes. AND I am being prompted to update to 5.0.33.

IF I close the update popup window, close the Zotero window, and reopen a window (i.e. not quitting the program) it looks normal, with my library.

I suppose I should I do the update then?

Perhaps this update prompt window was lurking there before without my seeing it. The popup opens behind the (blank) app -- or actually, now that I've watched it I see that the popup opens first but the Zotero app follows right along on top of it.

dstillman

Ah, OK. We'll see if we can reproduce that. But yes, if you just update this should go away.

fentonrc

It seems like that would explain the behavior I saw. And I guess I was all worked up over not a whole lot!

fentonrc

thank you and happy new year!