Convert references into database

lauranrg
I had a problem with the backup of my home when reinstalling ubuntu. As a consequence, I've lost my zotero database, and I'm finishing my dissertation... All the references are however intact in my openoffice documents, so I'd like to know if there's a way to convert openoffice zotero references into a new database. Thank you all for the development of this great tool, and for trying to solve users' mistakes as mine.
  • RintzeRintze
    I presume you haven't used Zotero 2.0 Beta and its syncing feature? If so, you might still be able to get your data from the Zotero servers. If that's not the case, there isn't an easy way to get your data back. The OpenOffice documents store only the formatted text of the in-text citations and bibliography, and simple keys to link the in-text citations to the items in your Zotero library. The formatted text isn't structured anymore, so Zotero can't read it. There are some ways to automate the process to identify the sources you cited in your paper, but it would still require quite some manual labor:

    http://www.zotero.org/support/kb/importing_formatted_bibliographies
  • lauranrg
    Thank you very much for the answer. Unfortunately, I had an older version of Zotero, but at least it's a great new to know the existence of the syncing feature. I will have to do the manual work. I've just found an old copy of the database, so I hope it won't be too much... Thank you again.

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