Copy a large calibre library to another computer

[Ginnia]

I have a large calibre library (18000+) that I need to move to another computer. Also need to replicate all the settings (template adds, plugins, etc) that I also need to have on the new computer. Nothing is corrupted, so that is not a problem.

How is the best way to transport this library to the new computer?

I use Dropbox, so tried setting up a library, copying books to it, then on the new computer, move books from the DB library to the new one. It seems there might be a limit to the number of books I can transfer this way because when I copy several books to it, they don't always show on the new computer -- sometimes do, sometimes not. Does it matter which computer I use to create the DB library? Also this approach will take a month of Sundays to complete. Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Ginny

[kovidgoyal]

https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq...ter-to-another

[Sirtel]

I've used an external HD for moving. Copied my library and the configuration folder to it and then to a new computer. It's faster than Dropbox and I had no problems with copying.

[DoctorOhh]

Originally Posted by Ginnia

How is the best way to transport this library to the new computer?

Follow the link Kovid gave and you should be fine.

Originally Posted by Ginnia

I use Dropbox, so tried setting up a library, copying books to it, then on the new computer, move books from the DB library to the new one. It seems there might be a limit to the number of books I can transfer this way because when I copy several books to it, they don't always show on the new computer -- sometimes do, sometimes not.

There is no limit via Dropbox, except for the limit of your patience. I have approximately 13,000 books in my library and I rarely (always my fault) have books missing between computers. If books are missing it is most likely because 1 of the 2 below possibilities:

1. You didn't allow the books from the first computer to fully sync to the cloud before exiting calibre on computer 1.

2. You didn't allow the books from the cloud to fully sync to the 2nd computer before you started calibre on the second computer.

In short you discovered one of the many reasons why running calibre in Dropbox can cause issues with your library. To avoid similar errors in the future, it is best to avoid running calibre in any cloud sync app.

Originally Posted by Ginnia

Also this approach will take a month of Sundays to complete.

Not quite a month of Sundays. It will take many hours if you are on different LANs. Then again it can be reasonably fast (fewer hours) if both machines are on the same LAN and you have enable LAN sync checked in Dropbox preferences on both machines and you do not limit bandwidth in preferences.

If I was you and both machines were on the same LAN I would map a drive and copy directly to the new machine. Alternatively I would follow Sirtel's advice and use an external Hard Drive or USB drive for transport. Either way follow Kovid's guidelines he linked, so your end result is exactly what you expect.