Issue with Zotero WebDAV Sync via Koofr on PC and iPad – Seeking Help

I'm encountering a persistent issue with Zotero's WebDAV sync feature when using Koofr, and I'm hoping to get some insights or solutions from this community or the developers.

Problem Description:
When I initially open Zotero on both my PC and iPad, the WebDAV verification proceeds as expected, and Zotero begins to sync files. During this initial phase, I can see records of file uploads in Koofr, indicating that the sync is actively working. However, after a certain period of syncing, Zotero starts to display an error message indicating a "404 Error". Following this error, WebDAV verification fails on all devices, consistently showing the 404 error message.

Details:

Devices Affected: Both PC and iPad
Initial Behavior: Successful WebDAV verification and file syncing
Error Phase: After some time of syncing, Zotero reports a 404 error
Post-Error Behavior: WebDAV verification fails on all devices with a 404 error
Debug ID: 2073656965
I have noticed a similar issue being discussed by other users (e.g., Bazingaaaa on September 9, 2022, and weizichao on June 30, 2023), which makes me wonder if this is a common problem with the Zotero-Koofr-WebDAV setup.

Attempts to Resolve:

I have verified the path settings in Zotero for the WebDAV server.
Ensured that the 'zotero' folder exists in my OneDrive, which is linked to Koofr.
Checked Koofr and OneDrive settings for any misconfigurations.
Despite these checks, the issue persists. I would greatly appreciate any insights, solutions, or suggestions from the community or the Zotero development team. If additional information is needed, I am happy to provide it.

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

  • I encountered exactly the same issue.
  • edited October 22, 2024
    I have the same problem with Zotero-Koofr-WebDAV.
    And I also tried Zotero-Alist-WebDAV, it didn't work either, even if it works fine elsewhere.
    I'm wondering if there might be an issue with Zotero's WebDAV functionality itself.
    A quick fix is desired, thank you.

    Debug ID: 1273933883
  • edited October 22, 2024
    Could it be caused by the large files that exceed 50 MB? I just came across this https://koofr.eu/help/koofr_with_webdav/why-is-transfer-of-a-big-file-through-webdav-stopped/

    In the past, I used linked files and used Zotero as a file manager more than just a reference management tool. Recently, to fully utilize the potential of its iPad app, I decided to go for WebDAV by connecting Koofr with OneDrive. It will work at first but stopped working soon after that.
  • A very useful piece of information, thank you.
    And I was wondering if you were able to resolve the issue using this link.
  • @Ran_Qi Not really. I have tons of stuffs in my Zotero storage and it was a complete mess this morning. I spent the whole day reverting to my linked-file setup using Zotmoov and encountered many cubersome issues. For now, I would not risk my data and spend more time on the migration to WebDAV unless a reliable solution was found by some other lucky guys. I saw several related discussions, though it seems to remain as an open problem right now.
  • edited 20 days ago
    @Ran_Qi Update: I attempted to test on a few items in my library. It turns out that the 50 MB file size restriction imposed by Koofr is very likely the cause of the problem --- at least in my case.

    For your reference, here is my current workflow: 1. Maintain an OneDrive folder for the storage of linked files, and make sure all item attachments are stored as linked files (this can be done via ZotMoov); 2. Create another empty folder in OneDrive for the WebDAV sync, set up the App password in Koofr, and use the address pointing to that folder and the app password generated in Koofr to set up the Zotero WebDAV sync; 3. Whenever I feel like reading a pdf on iPad, make sure that particular pdf is no larger than 50 MB, and then use "Tools > Manage Attachments > Convert Linked Files to Stored Files" to move the linked pdf file to the local Zotero storage (thus, it will be synced via WebDAV)

    I find the abovesaid workflow rather smooth, and haven't encountered any issues with WebDAV so far.
  • Thank you, I will give your method a try.
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