Sync Causing Corruption

beech_n_lab
I had an sqlite corruption and so I reloaded from a time machine backup. (Note: Don't try to add references when on a plane). Sqlite is stored locally per default location and so "cloud storage" problem is not problem. When I open zotero, I have no problems. However, when I sync with the web library I get a corruption error message. Please advise.
  • dstillman
    Most likely your database was already corrupted.

    Restore from the backup and check your database integrity from the Advanced → Files and Folders pane of the Zotero settings.
  • beech_n_lab
    Thank you @dstillman. You gave me enough to solve the problem. Here was the process.

    1. Turn off Auto-Syncing.

    2. Close Zotero.

    3. Restore Zotero from back-up.

    4. Check database integrity---> Failed this check even with zotero.sqlite that was not being flagged for being corrupted.

    5. Deleted all files with term "sqlite" except zotero.sqlite. This included better-bibtex.sqlite and associated files.

    6. Repaired zotero.sqlite via manual tool using https://www.zotero.org/utils/dbfix/manual

    7. Opened zotero.

    8. Rechecked Database integrity. Passed.

    9. Sychronized. No corruption. Happy
  • dstillman
    edited October 3, 2024
    If you were syncing anyway, the safer option would be to just delete zotero.sqlite and sync to pull down your full library. The DB repair tool corrects the database file structure itself and fixes other known data issues, but it's possible to have other problems in the database that aren't fixed by that.
  • beech_n_lab
    Thank you for advice. As I was saving at default location local to my computer (/users/myusername/zotero) and problems began after I was using Zotero on a flight with wi-fi enabled and "Auto-Sync" on, I was skeptical that there were problems with the "on web" version of the library. Hence, I wanted to revert back to my "old library."
  • dstillman
    No, it doesn't work that way — the web version can't be corrupted. This is about corruption of the local database file, so restoring from synced data on the web is always the best option.
Sign In or Register to comment.