Database corruption

sarahmarymelissac
Hi,
Can someone help me please- I recently started to use my Zotero again after a year or so not using it. I bought new storage too.
I am getting a very annoying message which is prompting me to go elsewhere for this type of service
It is saying data base is corrupted.
I am not IT literate and dont know how to fix this.
Please help
  • bwiernik
    This usually occurs if you have Zotero database stored in a cloud storage folder like Dropbox or similar. If that's the case, you should move it out and back to the default location: https://zotero.org/support/zotero_data

    To repair your database, use this tool:
    https://www.zotero.org/utils/dbfix/
  • sarahmarymelissac
    I don't know how to do that. I don't have zotero in drop box.
    Could I just delete it and reinstall it?
    This is so annoying
  • adamsmith
    Re-installing Zotero will not help (it doesn't normally delete your database, so you'd be left with the corrupted one) and deleting the database is likely a bad idea unless you're 100% certain all your items are, in fact, synced.

    What part of the instructions for the database repair tool do you not understand? It's not actually terribly complicated to use.
  • dstillman
    @sarahmarymelissac: This is the documentation the error message links to:

    https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/corrupted_database

    If there's something you don't understand, quote it and explain exactly what it is you don't understand.
  • sarahmarymelissac
    Thanks, you're very kind.
    I'll try to look at it again tonight, currently cramming! Interestingly and gladly zotero seems to be working without this darn message popping up today!
    But if it pops up again I'll follow your instruction and revert to you for further help if you don't mind!
  • dstillman
    Make sure Zotero is syncing properly — that would ensure that you would be able to restore your database even if the local version was damaged. You should also make regular backups of your Zotero data directory (ideally just while backing up your entire computer).

    And when you have a moment, you should check your database integrity from the Advanced → Files and Folders pane of the Zotero preferences. It's likely that the database corruption still exists and it's just not triggering the error at the moment, but that still leaves your database in a precarious condition.
  • sarahmarymelissac
    Thanks dstillman, i'll take a look through all your help notes in the morning I really appreciate your help

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