Can Calibre import lost folder?

[mlevin77]

In my library, I have a few folders containing a cover.jpg, metadata.opf, and the ebook file itself. Check Library says these are not in the actual database. Can these be imported in any smart way, or do I trash them and import the eBook manually and have to search for covers, download metadata, etc. by hand?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by mlevin77

In my library, I have a few folders containing a cover.jpg, metadata.opf, and the ebook file itself. Check Library says these are not in the actual database. Can these be imported in any smart way, or do I trash them and import the eBook manually and have to search for covers, download metadata, etc. by hand?

Move (only) lost folders outside the Library, then import as normal: folder contains single title

Lost folders some possible causes
1)files were in use (locked) during a name change. you may have a close duplicate.
2)someone dropped the folder into the Library. Calibre generated folders have a distinct pattern: Author/title (ID)/<formats and covers.
3) You dual boot accessed the library (Win/Linux)
4) You ran Calibre with a Cloud sync active

[mlevin77]

>import as normal: folder contains single title

is that some special Import option, or do you mean just import by hand each book, re-attach the cover, find Metadata, etc.?

> 1)files were in use (locked) during a name change. you may have a close duplicate.

sorry, explain please how this happens? I do keep the Calibre database on a Dropbox folder, but I do NOT access it simultaneously from more than one location.

> 2)someone dropped the folder into the Library. Calibre generated folders have a distinct pattern: Author/title (ID)/<formats and covers.

nope, no one is messing with the folder other than through the Calibre interface.

> 3) You dual boot accessed the library (Win/Linux)

nope, only Apple OS (desktop or laptop).

4) You ran Calibre with a Cloud sync active[/QUOTE]

what is that? I searched, and only found mention of something called Calibre Cloud Pro which is supposed to make Calibre work with Dropbox, but how's this different than just keeping the database on a Dropbox folder? Does it maybe allow simultaneous access from multiple locations (which I don't need)?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by mlevin77

>import as normal: folder contains single title

is that some special Import option, or do you mean just import by hand each book, re-attach the cover, find Metadata, etc.?

> 1)files were in use (locked) during a name change. you may have a close duplicate.

sorry, explain please how this happens? I do keep the Calibre database on a Dropbox folder, but I do NOT access it simultaneously from more than one location.

> 2)someone dropped the folder into the Library. Calibre generated folders have a distinct pattern: Author/title (ID)/<formats and covers.

nope, no one is messing with the folder other than through the Calibre interface.

> 3) You dual boot accessed the library (Win/Linux)

nope, only Apple OS (desktop or laptop).

4) You ran Calibre with a Cloud sync active

what is that? I searched, and only found mention of something called Calibre Cloud Pro which is supposed to make Calibre work with Dropbox, but how's this different than just keeping the database on a Dropbox folder? Does it maybe allow simultaneous access from multiple locations (which I don't need)?

Dropbox (and others) IS in the cloud

[itimpi]

Originally Posted by mlevin77

>4) You ran Calibre with a Cloud sync active

what is that? I searched, and only found mention of something called Calibre Cloud Pro which is supposed to make Calibre work with Dropbox, but how's this different than just keeping the database on a Dropbox folder? Does it maybe allow simultaneous access from multiple locations (which I don't need)?

This means any syncing process which stores data on the internet (of which Dropbox is an example). Such processes can occasionally interfere with Calibre operation. Ideally you should disable Dropbox syncing while running calibre to avoid this sort of issue.

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by mlevin77

>import as normal: folder contains single title

is that some special Import option, or do you mean just import by hand each book, re-attach the cover, find Metadata, etc.?

See screenshot.

> 1)files were in use (locked) during a name change. you may have a close duplicate.

sorry, explain please how this happens? I do keep the Calibre database on a Dropbox folder, but I do NOT access it simultaneously from more than one location.

4) You ran Calibre with a Cloud sync active

what is that? I searched, and only found mention of something called Calibre Cloud Pro which is supposed to make Calibre work with Dropbox, but how's this different than just keeping the database on a Dropbox folder? Does it maybe allow simultaneous access from multiple locations (which I don't need)?

4 is really part of 2.

When a program opens a file, it can get locked to that program. Dropbox does this to upload files/changes, and calibre does this to open in the viewer, move files (metadata changes that include author or title WILL move the whole folder), etc.

When two programs want to use the same file at the same time, you get an error, since they can't. Best solution is, pause Dropbox while calibre is running.

Another problem is when syncing calibre libraries, if open caalibre without syncing all changes first, Dropbox will record a "%s's conflicted copy (%DATE%)" -- see https://www.dropbox.com/help/36/en. Always perform a full sync before and after using calibre on each computer.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

When a program opens a file, it gets locked to that program.

@eschwartz - RU sure of that ? Surely the evidence is otherwise!

BR

[mlevin77]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

See screenshot.

perfect - thanks, that did it and saved me a ton of time.