Zotero can't find my data files

txs18
I've been using Zotero reasonably successfully for about 6 mos, but recently found after launching Firefox and opening Zotero that my data had somehow gone missing. The middle pane shows the Quick Start Guide but all my work is gone.

I checked the Zotero folder and it apparently still holds roughly 30MB of data. The zotero.sqlite file is there with 1,047KB and the zotero.sqlite.bak with the same 1,047KB.

The problem developed after I backed up my zotero folder and maybe that somehow caused the problem. Any ideas how to fix?
  • arggem
    Did you add any new FireFox extensions? Some extensions can cause conflicts. Try disabling all of them and see if that solves the problem. If it does, start adding them back in till you find the culprit.
  • txs18
    No. I didn't make any add-ons to Firefox. I'm mystified.
  • dstillman
    You most likely either moved your Zotero data directory instead of copying it or somehow changed the storage location in the Advanced pane of the Zotero prefs, and Zotero created a new database.
  • txs18
    Since I didn't mess with the Advanced pane of the preferences, I must have moved it then. I checked and in Firefox under Profiles there are two files, one with the extension "Default User" and the other with an extension labeled "default." The Zotero folder is currently in the "Default User" folder. Isn't that where it should be?
  • Tjowens
    It sounds like you may have somehow created a second Firefox profile. You can try launching Firefox's profile manager to switch and see if your collection is in the other profile. http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Managing+profiles

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