Just a little re-assurance

jasidlauskas

So I managed to delete my local Zotero library.

Somewhere around here, I've got a backup ... but its old and not very up-to-date with my library.

I realize sync is not a backup, so is there a way I could download or export my server-side library from zotero.org so I'll have an up-to-date backup before I go syncing?

When I start up, the wording Zotero uses in the warning made me balk:

"You are about to sync the ‘jasidlauskas’ account to an empty Zotero database. This could happen if you removed your previous database or if the location of your Zotero data directory changed."

If I understand the docs, I should be able to restore my local library through a standard sync (clicking OK to above) but that wording makes me wonder if I might overwrite the server with an empty database.

bwiernik

Yes, a standard sync will work for your circumstances. That message appears for the case where someone is expecting to see a library, but it isn't showing up (e.g., if the library was accidentally moved).

dstillman

You just need to sync. It's telling you it will sync the online account to the empty local database.

Zotero only ever syncs explicit deletions that you make in your library.

jasidlauskas

Thanks guys. I thought that was the case, but like a lot of people, I think about sync the wrong way sometimes and get confused.

All restored; crisis averted.