Calibre: connected to content server but cannot download books

[girlpilot]

I started using Calibre about 6 months ago. Just updated to 5.14.0 today (29 March)
Using it on a Macbook Pro 2016 running on Catalina 10.15.7
My e-reader is a Kobo Clara HD which runs software ver. 4.26.16704

I use the "content server" method to download books into my Kobo, on a mobile version of the address (ie: myIPaddress:8080/mobile) as my Kobo's web browser is a beta feature and doesn't have support.

Before I updated, I have not used Calibre for about a month (so I'm unsure if the issue is because of the update). After the update I tried to download more books using the same method. I can still connect to the server and access the list of books. However, when I tapped on a title to download, it just refreshed the page when before a window would pop up asking if I'd like to download the book.

I've tried searching for solutions in this forum and elsewhere but they're usually those regarding problems connecting to the server. I couldn't find anything about the pop up to download the book that's not working.

I'd appreciate any help as I'm not good with electronics or programming on a deeper level. Please advise, thank you.

(I can't use the USB method to transfer books because when I first used Calibre, my Mac stopped recognising my Kobo. I've used the original and another USB cord on all the ports on my Mac, also tried connecting to a Windows PC, and turning off WIFI before connecting, etc. All of which didn't work. The content server method was my last option, but now it's not working either)

[davidfor]

I don't use the browser on my Kobo devices very often, but, I have tested this in the last couple of weeks so know that it works. That would have been with firmware version 4.26.16704 and calibre 5.13. I can't test 5.14 at the moment, but, I'll try to remember tonight.

Other than that, the simplest answer I can think of is that the browser will only download supported book formats. You can download epubs or PDF, but, not AZW3 or KFX.

[gbm]

Originally Posted by girlpilot

I started using Calibre about 6 months ago. Just updated to 5.14.0 today (29 March)
Using it on a Macbook Pro 2016 running on Catalina 10.15.7
My e-reader is a Kobo Clara HD which runs software ver. 4.26.16704

I use the "content server" method to download books into my Kobo, on a mobile version of the address (ie: myIPaddress:8080/mobile) as my Kobo's web browser is a beta feature and doesn't have support.

Before I updated, I have not used Calibre for about a month (so I'm unsure if the issue is because of the update). After the update I tried to download more books using the same method. I can still connect to the server and access the list of books. However, when I tapped on a title to download, it just refreshed the page when before a window would pop up asking if I'd like to download the book.

I've tried searching for solutions in this forum and elsewhere but they're usually those regarding problems connecting to the server. I couldn't find anything about the pop up to download the book that's not working.
My f
I'd appreciate any help as I'm not good with electronics or programming on a deeper level. Please advise, thank you.

(I can't use the USB method to transfer books because when I first used Calibre, my Mac stopped recognising my Kobo. I've used the original and another USB cord on all the ports on my Mac, also tried connecting to a Windows PC, and turning off WIFI before connecting, etc. All of which didn't work. The content server method was my last option, but now it's not working either)

When I use the content server on my Clara HD I have to turn off "Require username and password to access the content server".

Also used /mobile but downloading works--ebooks show up.

Linux Mint 20.1
calibre ver 5.14
Clara HD firmware ver. 4.26.16704

The usb cable that came with my New Kobo lasted about 2 weeks and less than 20 connections. I have a usb cable that came with my phone that works.

bernie

[girlpilot]

Just an update on a few other methods I tried after browsing other posts and websites:

Did not work -
1) Turning off antivirus program/firewall before connecting to content server

2) Removing all books from my Calibre library (I don't have many so no problem there), and adding a book that can be downloaded before, to see if any of the newly downloaded books could be corrupted and created this problem

3) System reset on my Kobo, uninstalling Calibre and accompanying files to re-download on my Mac and start over

4) Using Dropbox. Can't finish my login on the Kobo browser, I'm assuming it's because it doesn't support Javascript (? I use a non-Javascript/mobile ver of the content server)

The two following methods worked for me -
1) As suggested by therourke in this forum, sending books via Gmail and opening the mail on my Kobo's browser (Calibre's email sharing didn't work)

2) As suggested by mylesau in the same forum, using another web server outside of Calibre (I use the Chrome extension which they provided the link of). The newly acquired books can also be downloaded into my Kobo

I enjoy using Calibre to organise my library so I'll continue to use it, but unfortunately cannot transfer books to my Kobo using the content server (for now). I'm relieved to have at least these 2 methods to fall on though.

But if there are any others who would like to share please feel free to do so

[girlpilot]

Originally Posted by davidfor

I don't use the browser on my Kobo devices very often, but, I have tested this in the last couple of weeks so know that it works. That would have been with firmware version 4.26.16704 and calibre 5.13. I can't test 5.14 at the moment, but, I'll try to remember tonight.

Other than that, the simplest answer I can think of is that the browser will only download supported book formats. You can download epubs or PDF, but, not AZW3 or KFX.

Noted, all of my books are in EPUB format. I can still see the list of books in the /mobile browser, but tapping on a book doesn't open up the dialog asking if I want to download the file, as it had before

Maybe it's a problem with my device rather than with Calibre. In another time I can try to download Calibre on the Windows PC and see if it persists. But for now, I've already found a few other methods that work so I'm not in a hurry

Your prompt reply is much appreciated, thank you

[girlpilot]

Originally Posted by gbm

When I use the content server on my Clara HD I have to turn off "Require username and password to access the content server".

Also used /mobile but downloading works--ebooks show up.

Linux Mint 20.1
calibre ver 5.14
Clara HD firmware ver. 4.26.16704

The usb cable that came with my New Kobo lasted about 2 weeks and less than 20 connections. I have a usb cable that came with my phone that works.

bernie

I've always had that option turned off, so my problem could be due to something else. Only my original Kobo cord has the "connect to computer" dialog pop up when I plug in, other cords only charge the device. But thank you for the suggestion, it's much appreciated

[theducks]

Check Preferences: Ignored devices
Last week, my Kobo magically got added to that list (Had been working fine since I got it from Walmart). Removed the bogus entry and things were sweet again

[girlpilot]

Originally Posted by theducks

Check Preferences: Ignored devices
Last week, my Kobo magically got added to that list (Had been working fine since I got it from Walmart). Removed the bogus entry and things were sweet again

Yes, I've checked it and there's nothing. But thanks for the suggestion