Exporting Library directly to a HDD storage device?

[Mari123]

I have no space left on my computer to export my Calibre library. So I exported it directly onto a USB and a HDD storage device(WD MY PASSPORT). Is there a possibility of the export files getting corrupted when sent directly on a storage device which is not the PC? I'm getting a new laptop and I have to move my files onto the new one.

[BetterRed]

See How do I move my calibre data from one computer to another?

That shows you how to move libraries and preferences, customisations, plugins etc

BR

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

See How do I move my calibre data from one computer to another?

That shows you how to move libraries and preferences, customisations, plugins etc

BR

I know how to export a library, but was wondering about the possibilities of corruption if I export the library to a folder on a external HDD drive

[ownedbycats]

Unless the drive is bad, I doubt it.

EDIT: As mentioned below, I forgot about FAT filesystems. Depending on the size of the library you may want to ensure you're using a different filesystem.

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Unless the drive is bad, I doubt it.

I exported the Calibre export to two hard drives, a USB, and I copied my Calibre folder and preference file to a external drive and I'm still worried. Am I being paranoid? The settings are Exfat

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by Mari123

I exported the Calibre export to two hard drives, a USB, and I copied my Calibre folder and preference file to a external drive and I'm still worried. Am I being paranoid? The settings are Exfat

I've been using WD USB drives for decades, I've have an ancient 80GB drive that I carry around for ad-doc transfers - it's so old it requires a dual USB cable and 2 ports.

And exFat is a probably a bad idea, see ==>> What are some of the disadvantages of exFAT format?

BR

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by BetterRed

I've been using WD USB drives for decades, I've have an ancient 80GB drive that I carry around for ad-doc transfers - it's so old it requires a dual USB cable and 2 ports.

And exFat is a probably a bad idea, see ==>> What are some of the disadvantages of exFAT format?

BR

Then should I use NTFS?

[Quoth]

ExFAT is only to handle larger partitions than FAT32. I only use it on SDcards/microSDcards like 256G on gadgets that require it, otherwise I use FAT32, NTFS or Ext4 depending on use. Historically NT didn't want to eject NTFS media. FAT32 and exFAT isn't reliable as there isn't journaling and it's more limited on filenames. Linux can manage NTFS, MacOS may need something added.
Ext4 should only be used with Linux or gadgets that specifically support it.

I only use exFAT on 256G SD card on camera and non-integrated 256G microSD cards on Android (i.e. you can read/write other than in original android device or swap to a different android phhone/tablet). I think on some gadgets more than 32G sdCard needs exFAT.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by Mari123

Then should I use NTFS?

Test to see if your version of Windows allows eject of a USB HDD formatted with NTFS, without a shutdown. I do used NTFS on one 1T SATA HDD in a USB adaptor so I can copy between Linux and Windows PCs. Also 3rd party program can be added to MacOS for NTFS.
I never had Windows driver for later than Ext2 on XP to read /write Linux disks.

[Mari123]

Originally Posted by Quoth

Test to see if your version of Windows allows eject of a USB HDD formatted with NTFS, without a shutdown. I do used NTFS on one 1T SATA HDD in a USB adaptor so I can copy between Linux and Windows PCs. Also 3rd party program can be added to MacOS for NTFS.
I never had Windows driver for later than Ext2 on XP to read /write Linux disks.

I just changed my external device to NFTS and my laptop reads the device just fine. Then will it be okay?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Mari123

I just changed my external device to NFTS and my laptop reads the device just fine. Then will it be okay?

Should
Why not see
Simple Right Click the Library Icon (in Calibre): Create/Switch: USE EXISTING:<select the Library folder on the drive>

Spot check
Switch back when done, The link to the old Library is now on the Library Icon menu (will probably have the same name, but that menu only shows non-active Libraries that Calibre knows about.

What this test did not test, was your settings-plugins copy.

I'm with BR, WD has been pretty reliable over the years. I still have a (pretty useless) working Connor 104M (yes M I used to use my old, small drives as SWAP, but all my systems now have 4-16G of RAM. nothing fits)

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by Mari123

I just changed my external device to NFTS and my laptop reads the device just fine. Then will it be okay?

Of course it would read it fine, but can you eject it OK?

[theducks]

Different file systems behave differently.
I think Quoth is trying to say that NTFS, while fine, It should be considered more as a system drive once mounted.
You can't eject system drives. You need to shutdown, then remove.
If you never plan on it being used as a 'portable' (one that can be ejected)...Fine.
Otherwise FAT32

[Quoth]

You might be able to unmount an NTFS partition in Diskmanager and then eject a USB drive.
But MS have changed this over the years. I do remember it was impossible to eject NTFS magneto-optical cartridges on NT 4.0, which was really annoying.