cannot access stored PDFs after getting new computer

mklem
I've read several threads addressing similar issues, but I'm not adequately informed/competent to put the pieces together and figure out what to do.

I just got a new computer. I downloaded Zotero and synced with my account. All my data synced just fine, but when I try to open PDFs that I attached (stored copies not links), I get an error---"File Not Found."

I still have my old computer. How can I move the appropriate folders where the PDFs are stored on the old computer so that I can access the PDFs through Zotero without individually re-copying them all to the Zotero entries? (I use OneDrive for most of my storage, though the PDFs were stored on the computer not in OneDrive. I haven't used OneDrive to store anything re Zotero.)

Thanks!
  • bwiernik
    The issue is just that when you have a very massive sync (like when moving to a new computer) it can take a while to finish downloading the PDFs. Until the file downloads finish, Zotero might throw the error you see if you try to open an attachment that hasn't finished. You can get a smoother experience in the interim by switching the "Download attachment files" to "As needed" in the Sync pane of the Zotero preferences.
  • mklem
    I think I was inadequately precise when I asked my question (sorry!). The PDFs were not stored on Zotero like all my data; they were stored somewhere on my computer (I think?). Here's what I see when I look at my storage on the website:

    Current Storage Plan

    Quota 300 MB
    Expiration Never
    Current Usage
    My Library 3.4 MB
    Total 3.4 MB
    1.1%

    If my library is 3.4 MB, it can't be storing the PDFs there, right?

    Could the best solution be to uninstall Zotero on my new computer, change the settings on the old computer to store PDF files on Zotero's server, and then download Zotero again on my new computer and sync it with my account? If so, what should I change my sync settings to?

    Thanks!
  • adamsmith
    Don't uninstall anything. On both computers, set the sync settings under File Sync to "Sync files in My Library using Zotero at Sync time". Makes sure the sync on the old computer goes through before syncing on the new one (nothing is going to happen otherwise; it's just a waste of time).
  • mklem
    That worked! Thanks!

    When my PDFs come to exceed the maximum storage on Zotero (and if I don't plan to buy extra storage), what is the safest and most efficient way to use OneDrive to store or to backup the files? (I know there are other posts about this, but I've had trouble figuring out the best way to move forward.)
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