can I restore my library just using files/folders?

Braid · 08-02-2023, 03:25 PM

I recently wiped my hard drive, including my Calibre library. However, I had saved a backup of the "Calibre Library" directory, including a "metadata" Data Base file, and a "metadata_db_prefs_backup.json" file.

Is it possible for me to restore my library using these files?

Obviously, all the ebook files are in the library directory. However, I hope also to restore the careful tagging and metadata work, virtual libraries and collections, that I had created over the years. Unfortunately, when I import the library using Calibre's import function, my books are imported with incorrect tags and metadata.

So, this thread aims to investigate whether I could potentially get my old library back, or whether I should give up.

theducks · 08-02-2023, 03:46 PM

That IS a Library.
Simply place it in it entirety into a EMPTY folder.
Then in Calibre: Switch/Create: Use existing: <that new folder>
Done

Quoth · 08-02-2023, 08:14 PM

It works as long as it's the same OS.

However to move between different OSes you need the Export/Import, i.e. if you had Windows and changed to Linux or vice versa on same PC, or moved from a not Mac to a Mac or vice versa.

kovidgoyal · 08-02-2023, 11:06 PM

see the note under https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq...ter-to-another

08-02-2023, 03:25 PM	#1
Braid Groupie Posts: 184 Karma: 700000 Join Date: Dec 2016 Device: Kindle Oasis (2nd), Kobo Aura One, Kindle Voyage, Kobo H2O (1st)	can I restore my library just using files/folders? I recently wiped my hard drive, including my Calibre library. However, I had saved a backup of the "Calibre Library" directory, including a "metadata" Data Base file, and a "metadata_db_prefs_backup.json" file. Is it possible for me to restore my library using these files? Obviously, all the ebook files are in the library directory. However, I hope also to restore the careful tagging and metadata work, virtual libraries and collections, that I had created over the years. Unfortunately, when I import the library using Calibre's import function, my books are imported with incorrect tags and metadata. So, this thread aims to investigate whether I could potentially get my old library back, or whether I should give up.

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08-02-2023, 03:46 PM	#2
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 31,056 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	That IS a Library. Simply place it in it entirety into a EMPTY folder. Then in Calibre: Switch/Create: Use existing: <that new folder> Done

08-02-2023, 08:14 PM	#3
Quoth Still reading Posts: 14,033 Karma: 105092227 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper	It works as long as it's the same OS. However to move between different OSes you need the Export/Import, i.e. if you had Windows and changed to Linux or vice versa on same PC, or moved from a not Mac to a Mac or vice versa.

08-02-2023, 11:06 PM	#4
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 45,349 Karma: 27182818 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	see the note under https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq...ter-to-another

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