Library files not showing in Zotero

ski86
I just updated my Firefox to 3.0.10 and my Zotero to 1.0.10 and my library is completely empty. When I look at the directory, I can find .sqlite and .sqlite.bak files as well as the storage folder with files in it. I sync my library with another computer that just had the harddrive fail and I don't know if that has anything to do with the files not showing up. Have I lost my library for good?
  • noksagt
    There is not much to go on here. What are the dates and sized of all zotero.sqlite/sqlite.bak files? Has any of the rest of your Firefox profile changed? What had you been running prior to Fx 3.0.10 & Z 1.0.10?

    How do you sync to the other computer & would there be some opportunity for this sync process to delete your old zotero directory?
    Have I lost my library for good?
    Do you keep backups?
  • ski86
    Sorry, I wasn't sure what information would be needed.
    I don't believe anything else from my Firefox profile has changed. Before Fx 3.0.10 and Z 1.0.10 I was running whatever was previously available (I update every time I am prompted). Is there a way I can find that out if it is necessary? I use windows livesync and have never had it delete my old directory.

    Files from my working computer
    zotero.sqlite 5/29/2009 1,566 KB
    zotero.sqlite.bak 5/29/2009 1,567 KB

    Files synced from my broken computer
    zotero.sqlite.bak 1/7/2009 1,637 KB
    zotero.sqlite.bak 1/27/2009 2,236 KB
    zotero.sqlite.bak 5/19/2009 3,124 KB
    zotero.sqlite 1/7/2009 1,637 KB
    zotero.sqlite 5/26/2009 3,129 KB

    Unfortunately I don't have a recent backup, a mistake I don't plan to repeat!
  • noksagt
    Why do you have multiple zotero.sqlite from the broken computer? In any case, the one dated 5/26 is somewhat recent & twice as big as the library you're using on your working computer. I'd make a backup of everything on the working computer & try that file...

    I would have expected more files, as zotero makes automatic backups when the database is upgraded.
  • ski86
    How do I get zotero to try that file?
  • noksagt
    Close firefox completely, make a backup of your zotero.sqlite file & copy the 5/26/2009 3,129 KB zotero.sqlite file from your broken computer over it. When you reopen firefox, it will load zotero.sqlite from your data directory (but this file will now be what you had had on your other machine).
  • ski86
    I cleared the folder after backing up all of the files and only have the storage folder and the 5/26/09 file, but when I open firefox, Zotero creates a new zotero.sqlite file and the library doesn't change. What am I doing wrong?
  • noksagt
    Zotero creates a new zotero.sqlite file
    What do you mean by this? Where is it created & what happens to the old one? If the May file was from the older version, Zotero should upgrade the database.

    It may be useful to check on the contents of the database files with some third-party tool.

    If you think your database may be corrupt, you can also try:
    https://www.zotero.org/utils/dbfix/

    I don't want to volunteer their time, but the Zotero devs might be able to take a look at the files if you upload them & post the links the tool gives.
  • dstillman
    The Zotero data page (and particularly the "Where did my items go?" section) may be helpful here. Please read that before trying anything else.
  • ski86
    Thank you Dan, that solved my problem. I wasn't renaming the old zotero.sqlite file (it was saved as zotero-[name of my broken computer].sqlite. Thank you also to noksagt for your patience and help.
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