newbie to Linux: help to sync calibre library in Windows

carmenchu · 10-02-2018, 06:42 AM

Hello!
I have just installed Lubuntu, and am trying to run my favorite software in it--please be lenient if my questions are silly/repeated.
I keep a copy of my calibre library in an external disk, which I synchronize regularly: so, before installing calibre in lubuntu, I put a copy there, and pointed calibre to it on first launch. So far, so good--only I didn't remember about expoting settings, but that could easily be mended by hand...
However, on asking for a library check, I got a lot of 'missing format' and 'extra format', and compounded the problem (case sensitivity) by asking for 'fix' and then running my usual sync program (FreeFileSync).
The result is compounded problem indeed: a lot of book folders with both 'A Title for You.ext' and 'A Title For You.ext' in them.
I am not asking for a fix to that: I can always delete and copy again. What I would dearly appreciate is advice on:
1. copying the library to linux without hitting again the same snag: will this work
*delete current library in linux
*export settings from windows to external disk
*launch calibre in linux, run welcome wizard and point to extenal disk to import settings,
or am I missing something?
2. keeping thereafter both libraries synchronized via external disk (which doubles as backup)--it seems that FreeFileSync is NOT the tool for lubuntu.
Thanks a lot!

Adoby · 10-02-2018, 08:35 AM

I'm not sure how to fix it best/fastest.

What I did, once upon a time, was to create a new library in Linux, on a case sensitive file system, and *import* all the formats from the case insensitive Windows file system. First made sure the metadata was fully updated for all books. And I imported with setting one book per folder.

Then I used my Linux library as the main library. That was the only place where I ever edited metadata and added/deleted/converted books. And I copied (really synced using rsync) this main library to other filesystem only as backups and/or for read only access. Now I don't use Windows anymore, so I don't have problems of this type anymore. Good riddance...

I don't think there is a problem with FreeFileSync. The problem is you trying to sync between filesystems with different case sensitivity, in the wrong direction... If you copy/sync correctly named files from a case sensitive file system to a case insensitive filesystem, then I think you are fine, but not the other way around.

But I suggest that you still test carefully!

gbm · 10-02-2018, 09:25 AM

6 Ways the Linux File System is Different From the Windows File System

Good luck.
YMMV
bernie

carmenchu · 10-02-2018, 09:40 AM

Thank you very much!
I suspected that the linux version of the library had the best configuration--i.e., book titles matching letter-by-letter with those stored in the .opf files, but is always better to get confirmation from someone experienced...
I will keep your advice in mind if/when I succeed in getting a dual boot for my desktop (win7, and still needed for some hardware and software without linux equivalents that I can find). Meanwhile will keep experimenting with lubuntu, which miraculously manages to run nicely on a vintage '07 laptop whose 2 batteries (yes, also the CMOS button one) have gone pfft without replacements in sight. And I will try to learn about the linux sync function as well.
Thanks again!

theducks · 10-02-2018, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carmenchu

Thank you very much!
I suspected that the linux version of the library had the best configuration--i.e., book titles matching letter-by-letter with those stored in the .opf files, but is always better to get confirmation from someone experienced...
I will keep your advice in mind if/when I succeed in getting a dual boot for my desktop (win7, and still needed for some hardware and software without linux equivalents that I can find). Meanwhile will keep experimenting with lubuntu, which miraculously manages to run nicely on a vintage '07 laptop whose 2 batteries (yes, also the CMOS button one) have gone pfft without replacements in sight. And I will try to learn about the linux sync function as well.
Thanks again!

Dual Boot: There be dragons (with Calibre)
Calibre stores the assigned file(ID) in the DB. What happens when you change any metadata (or add a format), is the case can become closest to the current metadata. Windows doesn't care. Linux (and MAC) do.

The only cure: Don't touch Calibre with the other OS

10-02-2018, 06:42 AM	#1
carmenchu Groupie Posts: 183 Karma: 266070 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Win7,Win10,Lubuntu,smartphone	newbie to Linux: help to sync calibre library in Windows Hello! I have just installed Lubuntu, and am trying to run my favorite software in it--please be lenient if my questions are silly/repeated. I keep a copy of my calibre library in an external disk, which I synchronize regularly: so, before installing calibre in lubuntu, I put a copy there, and pointed calibre to it on first launch. So far, so good--only I didn't remember about expoting settings, but that could easily be mended by hand... However, on asking for a library check, I got a lot of 'missing format' and 'extra format', and compounded the problem (case sensitivity) by asking for 'fix' and then running my usual sync program (FreeFileSync). The result is compounded problem indeed: a lot of book folders with both 'A Title for You.ext' and 'A Title For You.ext' in them. I am not asking for a fix to that: I can always delete and copy again. What I would dearly appreciate is advice on: 1. copying the library to linux without hitting again the same snag: will this work delete current library in linux export settings from windows to external disk *launch calibre in linux, run welcome wizard and point to extenal disk to import settings, or am I missing something? 2. keeping thereafter both libraries synchronized via external disk (which doubles as backup)--it seems that FreeFileSync is NOT the tool for lubuntu. Thanks a lot!

10-02-2018, 09:25 AM	#3
gbm Wizard Posts: 2,082 Karma: 8796704 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Kobo Clara HD,Hisence Sero 7 Pro RIP, Nook STR, jetbook lite	6 Ways the Linux File System is Different From the Windows File System Good luck. YMMV bernie Last edited by gbm; 10-02-2018 at 09:27 AM.

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10-02-2018, 08:35 AM	#2
Adoby Handy Elephant Posts: 1,736 Karma: 26785668 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Southern Sweden, far out in the quiet woods Device: Thinkpad E595, Ubuntu Mate, Huawei Mediapad 5, Bouye Likebook Plus	I'm not sure how to fix it best/fastest. What I did, once upon a time, was to create a new library in Linux, on a case sensitive file system, and import all the formats from the case insensitive Windows file system. First made sure the metadata was fully updated for all books. And I imported with setting one book per folder. Then I used my Linux library as the main library. That was the only place where I ever edited metadata and added/deleted/converted books. And I copied (really synced using rsync) this main library to other filesystem only as backups and/or for read only access. Now I don't use Windows anymore, so I don't have problems of this type anymore. Good riddance... I don't think there is a problem with FreeFileSync. The problem is you trying to sync between filesystems with different case sensitivity, in the wrong direction... If you copy/sync correctly named files from a case sensitive file system to a case insensitive filesystem, then I think you are fine, but not the other way around. But I suggest that you still test carefully!

10-02-2018, 09:40 AM	#4
carmenchu Groupie Posts: 183 Karma: 266070 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Win7,Win10,Lubuntu,smartphone	Thank you very much! I suspected that the linux version of the library had the best configuration--i.e., book titles matching letter-by-letter with those stored in the .opf files, but is always better to get confirmation from someone experienced... I will keep your advice in mind if/when I succeed in getting a dual boot for my desktop (win7, and still needed for some hardware and software without linux equivalents that I can find). Meanwhile will keep experimenting with lubuntu, which miraculously manages to run nicely on a vintage '07 laptop whose 2 batteries (yes, also the CMOS button one) have gone pfft without replacements in sight. And I will try to learn about the linux sync function as well. Thanks again!

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