Refreshed Firefox and lost Zotero data

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

I have a Mac and I refreshed my Firefox not thinking that I would lose my Zotero. I followed the steps to restore my Zotero by moving files from my Old Firefox Data into my new Zotero data directory but it did not work and I am frantic! Is there something I could have done wrong?

noksagt · December 1, 2016

Here's the guidance:
https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/restore_after_firefox_reset

What do you mean by "it didnot work"?

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

I followed those directions exactly, except after the fact I realized that I hadn't completely "quit" firefox, I had just exited, so I'm wondering if that's why my old files weren't moved into my new date directory?

adamsmith · December 1, 2016

very much possible. Why not try again with actually having Firefox quit?

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

I have several times but my Zotero is still empty.

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

Do you think if i referesh my Firefox a second time and start the whole process over I might be able to get my original data back?

adamsmith · December 1, 2016

Do you also have Zotero Standalone? What's the size of the file zotero.sqlite in the Old Firefox Data folder.

adamsmith · December 1, 2016

(and definitely don't refresh Firefox again)

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

I do not have standalone. The file is 1MB

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

The Zotero.sqlite.bak (whatever that is) is 2.8 mb.

adamsmith · December 1, 2016

How large roughly was your library (i.e. how many items?) In either case, 1MB is an empty database. Try using (a copy of) zotero.sqlite.bak instead, following these instuctions:
https://www.zotero.org/support/zotero_data#restoring_from_the_last_automatic_backup

Arwalkama · December 1, 2016

my library was probably between100- 150 items with lots of extra pages of notes (these are my sources for my master's thesis, which is why I am pretty distraught) I will try what you suggested, thanks!

Arwalkama · December 3, 2016

thank you adamsmith, your suggestion worked!!! I also had to move my "storage" folder as well, but I got everything back!