Moving Zotero to new computer / links now broken

mikrobb1
I recently had to move my Zotero library to a new computer. I followed the directions here to move my library: https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/transferring_a_library. I have been using Zotfile to rename and move my PDFs to a directory in my Dropbox and create a link in Zotero so that I can access them.

When I open Zotero Standalone on my new computer, and try to open a PDF linked to a Zotero entry, I get the following message:

"The attached file could not be found. It may have been moved or deleted outside of Zotero."

Since my files are in Dropbox, I assumed the paths would stay the same. Was I incorrect? Is there a way to point all of my entries to the directory where all my PDFs are? Thank you!
  • dstillman
    If you were using a linked attachment base directory before, you would need to reconfigure it from the Advanced → Files and Folders pane of the Zotero preferences.

    If that doesn't work, if you follow the debug output logging steps for an attempt to open a file and then view the output, you should be able to see at the bottom where Zotero is looking for the file. If necessary, there are ways to batch-update paths, but you might not need to.
  • mikrobb1
    Sadly, I was not using the linked attachment base directory before. I didn't even know that existed. I assume it's too late to point Zotero to my Dropbox folder now?

    Assuming that ship has sailed, what are the ways to batch-update the paths? All the PDFs are in the same directory.
  • dstillman
    The third-party Zutilo extension can do it. (But you'd still need to check the debug output first to see where it's actually looking.)
  • mikrobb1
    Thanks so much, Dan. I downloaded the Zutilo extension and looked at the Debug output. It looks like Zotero is looking for the name of my old computer in its path. Since my new computer has a new name, it's not finding it.

    Do you know where there is documentation or a tutorial about how to batch modify the attachment paths? It's not entirely clear from looking at this: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/zutilo-utility-for-zotero/
  • leebel
    I am in the same boat. I have been using Zotero stand-alone for about a year, building up my library slowly. I have my documents accessed via links various subfolders from my local E:\Dropbox\Docs folder. I did not know about Linked attachment data directories. Sadly it appears.

    I now have a laptop for travel and wanted to replicate Zotero on it. I have Dropbox on it but Dropbox is on a different drive. Needless to say, I get the same error that Zotero can't find the file as (via the log), it is looking at E:\Dropbox... rather than C:\Lee\Dropbox

    I looked for Zutilo and then had to install Firefox as I only used Chrome. Then installed the Zutilo extension, and then had to install the Zotero Firefox add-in. This is getting tangential.

    Anyway, up comes Zotero in Firefox and I pick a reference to a linked files and get the same error. OK, then right click on the same line and select Zutilo and Modify attachment paths, and I see a tick box that says "Replace all instances of partial path string". I tick this and enter the original path, then the new path, and bingo, this link now works - BUT NONE OF THE OTHER FEW HUNDRED DO.

    So, maybe I'm a dummy but Zutilo implied it would search and replace all? And it doesn't seem to have. Surely I don't have to do one at a time?!

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm heading off Sunday and dearly love to have this going.
  • adamsmith
    a) Zutilo works on Standalone (download the .xpi file, install from file under tools --> add-ons

    b) the modify attachment path works for all currently selected items. So you're right that you don't have to do this individually, but it doesn't auto-search &replace. (Just as with regular search&replace, attachments that don't contain the original path aren't affected, so you don't have to worry about selecting too many).
  • leebel
    Thanks Adam, fabulous! It certainly isn't obvious that you can use Zutilo as a stand-alone Zotero plug-in. I should have figured that selecting multiple references would enable changing multiple document locations.

    Once you know, it is easy. Works a treat. Thanks again. Greatly appreciated.
  • Gunesh
    Zotero was of great help for my research. I used it via firefox extension and thought that all my library data were saved online. My dell pc broke and I bought a MacBook. I tried logged into my zotero account via firefox extension but could not find data. It appears as the new one. Is there a way to retrieve my previous folders and files in zotero?
  • longz
    @mikrobb1 @leebel For using Zotero and Zotfile across different computers, you need to

    1. set "base directory" in the Advance tap of Zotero's Preference, to be your new computer's path of the referenced files, e.g. "/path/to/Dropbox/Zotero/".
    2. set "Location of Files" in General Setting of Zotfile's Preference, to be custom location, e.g. "/path/to/Dropbox/Zotero/".
  • adamsmith
    @Gunesh -- (better to start a new thread in general; I almost overlooked this in between the other issue here).
    If you click on "My Library" on this webpage, do you see your library? If so, sync: https://www.zotero.org/support/sync
    If not (which would mean you didn't sync previously), and if you don't have a back-up of your old harddisk, I'm afraid we may not be able to help.
  • Gunesh
    Thank you for your response. It seems I had not sync before. Now, I am aware of it.
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