Calibre import library on Raspberry Pi

Runnerbeen · 01-16-2025, 01:35 PM

Hi I'm using a Raspberry Pi 5 running Bookworm. I've installed Calibre and it's version 6.13. I've tried to import my existing Calibre library which is currently on my Mac drive but I receive an error message saying that the Pi Calibre doesn't support some of the files I'm trying to import (it seems to be a version issue). Please could anyone advise on next steps? Many thanks.

theducks · 01-16-2025, 04:12 PM

Importing FROM a higher revision is iffy at best.
When you import a LOWER version, Calibre detects that and upgrades the DB structure (permanently) as needed.

Runnerbeen · 01-16-2025, 04:26 PM

So should I just manually import the books in that case and start again. I basically would like to use the Pi for my Calibre library. Thank you.

gbm · 01-16-2025, 05:25 PM

Go to Calibre Download for Linux and download version 7.24 for your pi

bernie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runnerbeen

So should I just manually import the books in that case and start again. I basically would like to use the Pi for my Calibre library. Thank you.

Runnerbeen · 01-17-2025, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbm

Go to Calibre Download for Linux and download version 7.24 for your pi

bernie

That’s really helpful, thank you very much indeed.

Runnerbeen · 01-17-2025, 05:13 AM

I've downloaded version 7.24 to my RPi 5 but am still receiving the same error message which is:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "calibre/gui2/dialogs/exim.py", line 280, in select_import_folder
File "calibre/utils/exim.py", line 378, in __init__
ValueError: The exported data in ._part-0004.calibre-data is not valid, version (469769983) is higher than maximum supported version. You might need to upgrade calibre first.

I'm not sure what to do next as the I'm on the same version 7.24 on both my PC and Pi. Any tips would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

JSWolf · 01-17-2025, 05:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runnerbeen

I've downloaded version 7.24 to my RPi 5 but am still receiving the same error message which is:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "calibre/gui2/dialogs/exim.py", line 280, in select_import_folder
File "calibre/utils/exim.py", line 378, in __init__
ValueError: The exported data in ._part-0004.calibre-data is not valid, version (469769983) is higher than maximum supported version. You might need to upgrade calibre first.

I'm not sure what to do next as the I'm on the same version 7.24 on both my PC and Pi. Any tips would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

Recreate the database.

Right click on the database name in the toolbar and select library maintenance > Restore database

Then you can use the database with the Pi. Close calibre on the pie and run it on one of your other computers. Close calibre again and run again on the Pi to see if you can open the database,

Runnerbeen · 01-17-2025, 05:28 AM

It's still not opening and am getting the same error message. Thank you.

chaley · 01-17-2025, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runnerbeen

I've downloaded version 7.24 to my RPi 5 but am still receiving the same error message which is:
Traceback (most recent call last):
File "calibre/gui2/dialogs/exim.py", line 280, in select_import_folder
File "calibre/utils/exim.py", line 378, in __init__
ValueError: The exported data in ._part-0004.calibre-data is not valid, version (469769983) is higher than maximum supported version. You might need to upgrade calibre first.

I'm not sure what to do next as the I'm on the same version 7.24 on both my PC and Pi. Any tips would be gratefully received.

Thank you.

That says that the export files are corrupted. Redo the export.

Runnerbeen · 01-17-2025, 05:40 AM

Could I just copy all the files in my Calibre across via Samba instead? It took a long time for the export to complete yesterday. At least I can copy the books in stages. If I then point the Calibre library to the new folder on Pi with all the book files and db file etc would this have the same effect as trying to import? Basically I'd just like to have everything as it is on Calibre on my Pc. Thank you.

chaley · 01-17-2025, 05:46 AM

It might work as long as the file system semantics are the same. The PI is case sensitive. Is the Mac? You could try it then run library check to see if you have any problems.

In any event, if you go this route you must copy both the calibre library and the calibre configuration directory. You can find your configuration directory on using Preferences / Advanced / Miscellaneous / Open calibre configuration folder.

If I were to try this (which I probably wouldn't) I would:

Create an empty library on the PI.
Find the PI's configuration folder.
Copy the library from the Mac's library folder to the PI's library folder.
Copy the configuration folder from the Mac to the Pi.
Hope everything works.

Runnerbeen · 01-17-2025, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaley

It might work as long as the file system semantics are the same. The PI is case sensitive. Is the Mac? You could try it then run library check to see if you have any problems.

In any event, if you go this route you must copy both the calibre library and the calibre configuration directory. You can find your configuration directory on using Preferences / Advanced / Miscellaneous / Open calibre configuration folder.

If I were to try this (which I probably wouldn't) I would:

Create an empty library on the PI.
Find the PI's configuration folder.
Copy the library from the Mac's library folder to the PI's library folder.
Copy the configuration folder from the Mac to the Pi.
Hope everything works.

Thank you, I may just start from scratch and copy books across and try and match the set up I already have on my Mac. I don’t want to risk any further problems!

Wiggo · 01-17-2025, 07:03 AM

@Runnerbeen

If everything went well, I would be interested in the performance on the Rasp Pi. I recently bought one and am considering running Calibre on it.

Runnerbeen · 01-17-2025, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiggo

@Runnerbeen

If everything went well, I would be interested in the performance on the Rasp Pi. I recently bought one and am considering running Calibre on it.

Will let you know. I’m a bit nervous about it as I don’t want to mess it up! My ultimate aim is to get Calibre web on there. I’ll keep you posted.

chaley · 01-17-2025, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Runnerbeen

Will let you know. I’m a bit nervous about it as I don’t want to mess it up! My ultimate aim is to get Calibre web on there. I’ll keep you posted.

As long as you still have your library on your Mac, trying things on your Pi can't mess things up beyond repair. If something you try doesn't work to your satisfaction then try something else. You can always get a clean copy of the library and start over.

Things become iffy only once you start actually using the Pi to change things, in which case the Mac and the Pi are no longer in sync.

01-16-2025, 01:35 PM	#1
Runnerbeen Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2024 Device: Kobo Libre Colour	Calibre import library on Raspberry Pi Hi I'm using a Raspberry Pi 5 running Bookworm. I've installed Calibre and it's version 6.13. I've tried to import my existing Calibre library which is currently on my Mac drive but I receive an error message saying that the Pi Calibre doesn't support some of the files I'm trying to import (it seems to be a version issue). Please could anyone advise on next steps? Many thanks.

01-17-2025, 05:46 AM	#11
chaley Grand Sorcerer Posts: 12,525 Karma: 8065948 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Notts, England Device: Kobo Libra 2	It might work as long as the file system semantics are the same. The PI is case sensitive. Is the Mac? You could try it then run library check to see if you have any problems. In any event, if you go this route you must copy both the calibre library and the calibre configuration directory. You can find your configuration directory on using Preferences / Advanced / Miscellaneous / Open calibre configuration folder. If I were to try this (which I probably wouldn't) I would: Create an empty library on the PI. Find the PI's configuration folder. Copy the library from the Mac's library folder to the PI's library folder. Copy the configuration folder from the Mac to the Pi. Hope everything works.

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01-16-2025, 04:12 PM	#2
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 31,250 Karma: 61360164 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	Importing FROM a higher revision is iffy at best. When you import a LOWER version, Calibre detects that and upgrades the DB structure (permanently) as needed.

01-16-2025, 04:26 PM	#3
Runnerbeen Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2024 Device: Kobo Libre Colour	So should I just manually import the books in that case and start again. I basically would like to use the Pi for my Calibre library. Thank you.

01-17-2025, 05:13 AM	#6
Runnerbeen Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2024 Device: Kobo Libre Colour	I've downloaded version 7.24 to my RPi 5 but am still receiving the same error message which is: Traceback (most recent call last): File "calibre/gui2/dialogs/exim.py", line 280, in select_import_folder File "calibre/utils/exim.py", line 378, in __init__ ValueError: The exported data in ._part-0004.calibre-data is not valid, version (469769983) is higher than maximum supported version. You might need to upgrade calibre first. I'm not sure what to do next as the I'm on the same version 7.24 on both my PC and Pi. Any tips would be gratefully received. Thank you.

01-17-2025, 05:28 AM	#8
Runnerbeen Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2024 Device: Kobo Libre Colour	It's still not opening and am getting the same error message. Thank you.

01-17-2025, 05:40 AM	#10
Runnerbeen Enthusiast Posts: 46 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2024 Device: Kobo Libre Colour	Could I just copy all the files in my Calibre across via Samba instead? It took a long time for the export to complete yesterday. At least I can copy the books in stages. If I then point the Calibre library to the new folder on Pi with all the book files and db file etc would this have the same effect as trying to import? Basically I'd just like to have everything as it is on Calibre on my Pc. Thank you.

01-17-2025, 07:03 AM	#13
Wiggo Leftutti Posts: 550 Karma: 1717097 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Bavaria Device: iPad Pro, Kobo Libra 2	@Runnerbeen If everything went well, I would be interested in the performance on the Rasp Pi. I recently bought one and am considering running Calibre on it.