Metadata files missing after import

[marp68]

Before doing an reinstallation of Windows I did an export of all calibre data It became two parts:
part-0001.calibre-data
part-0002.calibre-data

I also made a simple copy of the calibre library folder.

After reinstallation of OS and Calbre software I imported it back and, voila, there were all books and settings in Calibre, except some addon plugins.

But when I compared the books in the new library, created through the import calibre data process, with the to the copied calibre library folder, I noticed a difference. In the copy of the calibre library there were this metadata file in each book folder together with the book and the cover. But in the new library that was created through the import of the calibre data files, the metadata file for all books where now missing in the book folder. There is only the book itself and the cover.

Am I missing something here? I thought the metadata file was imprtant. But when I look at a book in Calibre, with a missing metadatafile, it looks the same as before, when it had a metadata file.

I also deleted the new library and imported the old calibre library backup that I before simply copied to my backup hard disk, and I don't see any differencies.

I understand that something wrong, but can't put my finger on what it is. Please advice me what to do.

I have both the two exported calibre data files and a copy of the calibre library.

[kovidgoyal]

that metadata flie is just a backup, you dont need to worry about it. it will be automatically crated ver time by calibre.

[ownedbycats]

The actual metadata's in metadata.db. Metadata.opf is a backup.

They should restore themselves gradually as you work with your library, or you can use Library > Library Maintenance > Library metadata backup status to force-create them.

[marp68]

Wow, thanks, that makes me very happy.

What would you say is the best backup solution of the library? It seems a bit unnecessary to copy the calibre library folder when I can have both the calibre settings AND the library in the same calibre data export files.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by marp68

Wow, thanks, that makes me very happy.

What would you say is the best backup solution of the library? It seems a bit unnecessary to copy the calibre library folder when I can have both the calibre settings AND the library in the same calibre data export files.

I keep back-up copies of both the library folder and the configuration folder.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by marp68

Wow, thanks, that makes me very happy.

What would you say is the best backup solution of the library? It seems a bit unnecessary to copy the calibre library folder when I can have both the calibre settings AND the library in the same calibre data export files.

See ==>> How do I backup calibre?

I would use a file synch tool such as Free File Sync, rsync, GoodSync etc to mirror your libraries and configuration data to an external 'device' (disk, ftp server, cloud etc), After first usage they are fast because they only copy what's changed (which means it is no hardship to do frequent backups - e.g. daily). See ==>> Comparison of file synchronization software - Wikipedia

Individual items an be restored, and the backed up data can be used by applications - e.g if you inadvertently delete a book from a calibre library, you can point calibre at the backup library and use its Copy to library tool to restore the book to your regular library - including restoration of the metadata in the library database.

BR