Missing PDF attachments despite files being available online

Macafaundez

Hello Zotero Support,

I have been using Zotero on the same Mac, and until recently, my PDF attachments opened normally. Now, most of my PDF files show the error "The attached file could not be found."

My Zotero data directory is located at `/Users/macarenafaundezsilva/Zotero/`.

For example, a PDF attached to Feigin et al. (2024) is missing from its local storage folder (`BSD7HF3K`), which appears empty. However, the PDF opens correctly in my Zotero Web Library.

File syncing is enabled using Zotero Storage, with automatic downloading selected. I have already tried resetting the file sync history, but the problem persists.

My Zotero Storage quota is also full, so I receive errors when Zotero attempts to upload files.

I have backed up my entire Zotero data directory.

Could you help me identify why locally stored PDFs are missing and why Zotero is not downloading files that are accessible online?

**Debug ID: D1687822393**

Thank you for your assistance.
  • dstillman Zotero Team
    edited 7 days ago
    If the file were available in the online library, you'd be able to download it. It's not and never has been.

    Since you're at your storage quota, files aren't being uploaded from the devices where you add them, and likely haven't been for a while. You added that file in 2025, presumably from another device.

    Any files added on or previously synced to this Mac would still be available locally unless something happened to your Zotero data directory outside of Zotero (e.g., you ran disk-cleaning software that deleted files).
Sign In or Register to comment.