Download backup library

Maarten55 · 03-12-2018, 10:02 AM

While my iMac is out for repair, I downloaded Calibre on my laptop. I've got the backup library on one of my external harddisks (metadata.db), but when I open Calibre, I can't find a way to download the data into the program. What am I missing here? Any help is appreciated.

JSWolf · 03-12-2018, 10:18 AM

Do you have a backup of all the directories with all of the books?

Maarten55 · 03-12-2018, 10:39 AM

I have a folder called "Calibre Library" which contains a document "metadata.db". As far as I know, that's the only thing.

JSWolf · 03-12-2018, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maarten55

I have a folder called "Calibre Library" which contains a document "metadata.db". As far as I know, that's the only thing.

Then your backup has none of your eBooks. They are all on your iMac. Let's hope you can get them back.

When you backup your Calibre library, you have to backup the entire directory (and subdirectories) that your library is in. Also, you should backup your Calibre settings which is in a different directory.

Maarten55 · 03-12-2018, 11:28 AM

OK, thanks for the reply. Not sure I quite understand what you mean, but I'll figure it out

theducks · 03-12-2018, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maarten55

I have a folder called "Calibre Library" which contains a document "metadata.db". As far as I know, that's the only thing.

That is the DEFAULT name and will be created (again), if Calibre can't find a 'known' , active (to the configuration file) Library. (the clue, is no Author folders, and just 2 files, one being metadata.db)

Many of us do not use this one as our Working Library.

You can right-click the Library Icon: Rename Library: <select>

JSWolf · 03-12-2018, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

That is the DEFAULT name and will be created (again), if Calibre can't find a 'known' , active (to the configuration file) Library. (the clue, is no Author folders, and just 2 files, one being metadata.db)

Many of us do not use this one as our Working Library.

You can right-click the Library Icon: Rename Library: <select>

Can you please explain that in plain English? If the OP didn't understand what I said, he'll definitely not understand this.

DNSB · 03-12-2018, 12:56 PM

It sounds as if you may be looking at the default library created when you installed calibre. You may need to open calibre, click on the Calibre Library icon and then select switch/create library. Browse to the location of your library on your external hard disk, make sure the radio button for Use the previously existing library at the new location is selected and then click okay.

theducks · 03-12-2018, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Can you please explain that in plain English? If the OP didn't understand what I said, he'll definitely not understand this.

OK
If you destroy-block your Calibre Preferences, Calibre does not know what your last used Library name was (or where it was) , Then it will try and USE Calibre Library in your USER Folder. That is the default location and Calibre Library is the default name. If it can't find that, It WILL CREATE IT. It will have NO BOOKS.

100% Valid (but horribly confusing

), which is why I recommend renaming each Library to other than default

Code:

\user\a\Calibre Library
\user\b\Calibre Library
\user\c\Calibre Library
\user\d\Calibre Library

FWIW The containing folder name is the Library name.

JSWolf · 03-12-2018, 04:56 PM

The problem is that the OP has his Calibre library and settings on his iMac which is out for repair. He didn't correctly copy his Calibre library from the iMac and thus, doesn't have access to his eBooks. Te only thing the OP can do is wait until his iMac comes back and if the Calibre library and settings are still there, he can do a proper backup and he can ask here if he's unsure how to do this.

03-12-2018, 10:02 AM	#1
Maarten55 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2018 Device: Kindle Oasis	Download backup library While my iMac is out for repair, I downloaded Calibre on my laptop. I've got the backup library on one of my external harddisks (metadata.db), but when I open Calibre, I can't find a way to download the data into the program. What am I missing here? Any help is appreciated.

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03-12-2018, 10:18 AM	#2
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,782 Karma: 150249619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Do you have a backup of all the directories with all of the books?

03-12-2018, 10:39 AM	#3
Maarten55 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2018 Device: Kindle Oasis	I have a folder called "Calibre Library" which contains a document "metadata.db". As far as I know, that's the only thing.

03-12-2018, 11:28 AM	#5
Maarten55 Junior Member Posts: 5 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2018 Device: Kindle Oasis	OK, thanks for the reply. Not sure I quite understand what you mean, but I'll figure it out

03-12-2018, 12:56 PM	#8
DNSB Bibliophagist Posts: 48,175 Karma: 174315444 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Vancouver Device: Kobo Sage, Libra Colour, Lenovo M8 FHD, Paperwhite 4, Tolino epos	It sounds as if you may be looking at the default library created when you installed calibre. You may need to open calibre, click on the Calibre Library icon and then select switch/create library. Browse to the location of your library on your external hard disk, make sure the radio button for Use the previously existing library at the new location is selected and then click okay.

03-12-2018, 04:56 PM	#10
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,782 Karma: 150249619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The problem is that the OP has his Calibre library and settings on his iMac which is out for repair. He didn't correctly copy his Calibre library from the iMac and thus, doesn't have access to his eBooks. Te only thing the OP can do is wait until his iMac comes back and if the Calibre library and settings are still there, he can do a proper backup and he can ask here if he's unsure how to do this.