Transferring library to a new computer

belruth · 2025-11-22T17:56:56+00:00

[Split from Transfer Zotero to new computer]

I have copied my data folder into the same place on my new computer but when I open Zotero it is empty and is not picking up the storage. I did download Zotero first onto my new computer. Should I have transferred the files first before downloading?

dstillman · 2025-11-22T17:58:17+00:00

You copied the wrong files or copied them to the wrong place.

If you provide some screenshots of your data directory, we might be able to tell you more.

belruth · 2025-11-22T20:06:58+00:00

Thanks. Screenshots of Zotero's identification of location of data directory and the actual directory with file path:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u18928957/ah337ad75k8x6tf914bs.png
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u18928957/bxvb2usci93z0k8njj06.png

dstillman · 2025-11-22T20:11:36+00:00

That's an empty (5 MB) zotero.sqlite database. You either didn't copy that file or you had Zotero open on one side or the other and the file was locked. The much larger zotero.sqlite.bak file has data in it. Copy the correct original file or swap the backup in to get your data through a day earlier.

belruth · 2025-11-22T20:25:24+00:00

Thanks very much, I'll re-do the copying and moving.

belruth · 2025-11-23T14:53:00+00:00

Problem solved! Thank you