I maade a booboo. Please help me to avoid making it again

[phunnylinguist]

My 64 bit Windows 7 desktop has always had the most current Calibre version installed. I've always noticed that there has also been a 32 bit version of Calibre installed. In a fit of impulsive behavior a couple of days ago I questioned the need of this additional file so I deleted it, and as per usual then ran Ccleaner. It was then that I discovered that all of the dozens of files and folders in my main Calibre library were gone. As the system had created what appeared to be a restore point labeled Calibre uninstall I repeatedly attempted to resurrect those files and folders; all were unsuccessful.

Now, you may be wondering why I hadn't mentioned cloning or copying all that lost content from a backup, and you'd be right. Plain fact is that I didn't have one. Shame on me.

What remains from the attempts to use System Restore are:
In Calibre Library folder:
metadata_db_prefs_backup.json 15KB
metadata.db 384KB
metadata_pre_restore.db 384KB

In Calibre Library\Unknown\metadata pre restore (3):
metadata pre restore - Unknown.db 384KB
metadata.opf 2KB

In Calibre Library\Unknown\metadata db prefs backup (2):
metadata db prefs backup - Unknown.json 15KB
metadata.opf 2KB

I'm at a complete loss as to how or if there's any chance to retrieve from the above files *any* of what I've mistakenly deleted.

I know I should have asked here first whether or not the previously installed 32 bit Calibre was vital in maintaining the library. My guess now is that I should have left it alone and undisturbed. But besides being vigilant in keeping up a reliable system backup scheme, what steps would you recommend for at least making sure that my Calibre library is properly tin-foiled in the future?

[theducks]

metadata_db_prefs_backup.json is the restore helper file that describes your library STRUCTURE (custom cols, col settings) and is used to build an empty DB, ready to hold RESTORE metadata.
Even if metadata.db is trashed. This sets up a new Calibre metadata.db so when the Calibre check EACH book folders OPF, it has a home for ALL the metadata

RESTORE is NOT 'add'. You can't RESTORE after an 'add' and expect full recovery.

If in doubt, always ask (tell us what you PLAN) before doing. It may mean the difference between a near painless (other than the clock grind time) recovery, and a OMG attempt

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by phunnylinguist

<snip>
But besides being vigilant in keeping up a reliable system backup scheme, what steps would you recommend for at least making sure that my Calibre library is properly tin-foiled in the future?

Here's my backup regime ==>> https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...5&postcount=26

BR