Backup the Library

ArmadilloPilot · 05-18-2021, 10:57 PM

I want to decide on the best way to keep a backup of the Library. I checked the forum posts and saw that some recommend using the Export function. Others mention just having a duplicate library somewhere.

In the second option what about the configuration files? I see that Calibre has files in Appdata/Roaming as well as Appdata/Local. Do you need to back up all that also. If so, it would seem that the Export function is a little more foolproof, since I read somewhere that Export gathers config data also. I tried my own Export: It went quiet rapidly, 4 seconds. The size, 1 gb, was only 10% smaller than the raw library data.

I have never tried the Import function. If I import does it just overwrite and replace the existing Library?

Appreciate someone's input and suggestion.

BetterRed · 05-19-2021, 01:03 AM

1. Export/Import was developed to do this: How do I move my calibre data from one computer to another?

2. Or there's this: How do I backup calibre?

I use method 2, via the GoodSync File Synchronisation tool. Other people use similar tools like Free File Synch, rsynch, SyncToys etc. Some of the advantages of these tools are

the backup is a copy of the original, which means it can be used it in place of the original
after first run the synch tool replicates what changed (additions, changes, deletions) which is much faster than copying the whole shebang every time - using a synch tool encourages frequent backups, using something like export/import does the reverse.
one can restore a single file (e.g. a cover or format file) that gets lost or 'damaged' as a result of a blunder.
the same tool can be used to backup any data - documents, images, music etc.

I include calibre's configuration folder in the Goodsynch jobs that backup the calibre libraries.

BR

Sirtel · 05-19-2021, 03:50 AM

I use FreeFileSync for incremental updating of my backup copies of the library folder and the configuration folder (in AppData/Roaming).

JSWolf · 05-19-2021, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I use FreeFileSync for incremental updating of my backup copies of the library folder and the configuration folder (in AppData/Roaming).

I agree that for Windows, FreeFileSnc is the best solution. It will only need to copy any changed/new files since the last sync.

05-18-2021, 10:57 PM	#1
ArmadilloPilot Connoisseur Posts: 55 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Texas Device: Pocketbook Verse Pro	Backup the Library I want to decide on the best way to keep a backup of the Library. I checked the forum posts and saw that some recommend using the Export function. Others mention just having a duplicate library somewhere. In the second option what about the configuration files? I see that Calibre has files in Appdata/Roaming as well as Appdata/Local. Do you need to back up all that also. If so, it would seem that the Export function is a little more foolproof, since I read somewhere that Export gathers config data also. I tried my own Export: It went quiet rapidly, 4 seconds. The size, 1 gb, was only 10% smaller than the raw library data. I have never tried the Import function. If I import does it just overwrite and replace the existing Library? Appreciate someone's input and suggestion.

05-19-2021, 01:03 AM	#2
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 21,737 Karma: 30237526 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	1. Export/Import was developed to do this: How do I move my calibre data from one computer to another? 2. Or there's this: How do I backup calibre? I use method 2, via the GoodSync File Synchronisation tool. Other people use similar tools like Free File Synch, rsynch, SyncToys etc. Some of the advantages of these tools are the backup is a copy of the original, which means it can be used it in place of the original after first run the synch tool replicates what changed (additions, changes, deletions) which is much faster than copying the whole shebang every time - using a synch tool encourages frequent backups, using something like export/import does the reverse. one can restore a single file (e.g. a cover or format file) that gets lost or 'damaged' as a result of a blunder. the same tool can be used to backup any data - documents, images, music etc. I include calibre's configuration folder in the Goodsynch jobs that backup the calibre libraries. BR Last edited by BetterRed; 05-19-2021 at 06:35 PM.

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05-19-2021, 03:50 AM	#3
Sirtel Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,487 Karma: 239746053 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Estonia Device: Kobo Sage & Libra 2	I use FreeFileSync for incremental updating of my backup copies of the library folder and the configuration folder (in AppData/Roaming).

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