Program locks up with import of large EndNote file

eaufderheide · March 4, 2008

I am attempting to import a large .enl file from EndNote (~6300 records) into
Zotero. I exported the file using the BibTeX format first. When I try, Zotero shows the file is being imported, then appears to stop. No EndNote files end up in Zotero. Any suggestions?

Note: Using WinXP SP2 and EndNote XI with the latest version of Zotero.

noksagt · March 4, 2008

What do you mean that it "appears to stop?"

Import can take a while--let it go over night.

If BibTeX doesn't work, try RIS.

marjorierubright · March 12, 2008

I have also tried to import a large Endnote file (Endnote 7) into Zotero. I exported the file using the BibTeX format first. I've also tried RIS export. Every time, I get a message saying that there is a problem reading the Script. I'm using Word on a MacBook and Firefox. I hit "continue" on the script error but nothing downloads into Zotero. Is there a problem with earlier versions of Endnote?

Also, will Zotero preserve my "notes" and "Abstract" and "keywords" from endnote? Will it preserve my url links?

Thanks! I want to make the switch but am having trouble.

noksagt · March 12, 2008

Every time, I get a message saying that there is a problem reading the Script

Please give the explicit message. If it is the unresponsive script message, refer to:
http://forums.zotero.org/discussion/2401/
and the links I placed there.

I'm using Word

This should have nothing to do with import. You are saving to a stand-alone text file that looks like (depending on the format you export to):
http://wiki.refbase.net/index.php/Import_Example:_BibTeX
http://wiki.refbase.net/index.php/Import_Example:_RIS
and are NOT trying to import an MS Word DOC, correct?

Also, will Zotero preserve my "notes" and "Abstract" and "keywords" from endnote? Will it preserve my url links?

If they are in the exported file, then yes. However, Endnote has their own URI system for some internal links that will not be imported at this time. All external links that use URIs with 'http://' should import, though.

ByteRyder · March 24, 2008

In terms of imports of large files taking quite a while, I thought a benchmark might be useful information for some. I imported a RIS file of 3700 references (from EndNote 7) and it took about 4 hrs. This was on a system with Pentium-4, 2.8 GHz, 1 Gig RAAM, SATA hard drive, Ubuntu Gutsy, and Zotero 1.0.3. As others commented, Firefox looks like it is "locked up" while this was happening.