Exporting to backup data

[Kasrielle]

This is probably a dumb question, but I can't find any concrete answer. I have a copy of my calibre documents folder on my external HD. I want a backup of the data as well. If I export my library to the external HD, is it copying data to the external HD or MOVING data to the external HD? Because I don't want to empty my library, just copy it...

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Kasrielle

This is probably a dumb question, but I can't find any concrete answer. I have a copy of my calibre documents folder on my external HD. I want a backup of the data as well. If I export my library to the external HD, is it copying data to the external HD or MOVING data to the external HD? Because I don't want to empty my library, just copy it...

See ==>> How do I backup calibre?

In essence don't use calibre itself to maintain a backup copy of your library.

Use the file system. The 'best' way is with a file synchronisation tool that you run periodically (e.g. daily, weekly) when calibre is NOT running. The advantage of a file sync tool is that after the first use, it only copies what's changed since the last use.

BR

[phossler]

A 'snapshot' option would be to Export the entire Calibre system using the Export/Import option on the [Calibre] icon dropdown.

Doesn't do incrementals like BR's but everything is there

[Kasrielle]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

See ==>> How do I backup calibre?

In essence don't use calibre itself to maintain a backup copy of your library.

Use the file system. The 'best' way is with a file synchronisation tool that you run periodically (e.g. daily, weekly) when calibre is NOT running. The advantage of a file sync tool is that after the first use, it only copies what's changed since the last use.

BR

I read the paragraph on backing up calibre but it isn't very clear. What file synchronisation tool are you talking about?

[Kasrielle]

Originally Posted by phossler

A 'snapshot' option would be to Export the entire Calibre system using the Export/Import option on the [Calibre] icon dropdown.

Doesn't do incrementals like BR's but everything is there

My version of calibre doesn't read the same as your snapshot. Just to be clear, so Exporting means COPYING the file, NOT Moving the file. When I googled import/export I got all kinds of info on outlook pst files, and dropbox files, but nothing that defines general import export...

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Kasrielle

My version of calibre doesn't read the same as your snapshot. Just to be clear, so Exporting means COPYING the file, NOT Moving the file. When I googled import/export I got all kinds of info on outlook pst files, and dropbox files, but nothing that defines general import export...

Which operating system do you use?

I've been using a product called GoodSynch for a decade or more (since 2005 I think). There is a free version but its quite limited, not in functionality, but in number of folders and files. The regular desktop version is USD30.00 (Windows, Mac).

My calibre's libraries and configuration are backed up along with everything else - no special considerations needed.

Comparison of file synchronization software

BR