moving library to new computer

[crossi]

Old computer has Vista.
Can't use version of Calibre with export fuction, it kills my computer.
Old library is in Dropbox but don't want Dropbox on new computer.
When I try to copy my Dropbox Library folder to USB get message
"The folder Dropbox Library has properties that cannot be copied to the new location"

I really need step by step instructions about how to move the entire library and settings to new computer by USB. I've been trying to figure it out for two days. Similarly how would I duplicate the dropbox library into Documents folder?

[theducks]

Do you still have the old computer?

Does it work still?
Just copy the Library folder over (see the FAQ on how to)

Choices:
Network Share
Sneakernet (that USB stick)
Mount the old HD inside if space or use a USB drive caddy (enclosure for your drive type) ~US$20

[crossi]

I look at the FAQ several times. I went to myName\Documents\Dropbox right clicked Dropbox Library and option copy and chose destination Removable Disk G.

I get pop up:
"Are you sure you want to copy this folder without its properties?
The folder Dropbox Library has properties that cannot be copied to the new location"

I said to copy

Then I got popup:
"The file metadata (Cindy-PC's conflicted copy 2013-01-21).db has properties that cannot be copied to the new location.

A lot of those.

Something is not working or I don't understand the directions in the FAQ.

How about a click by click instruction?

[dwig]

Originally Posted by crossi

I look at the FAQ several times. I went to myName\Documents\Dropbox right clicked Dropbox Library and option copy and chose destination Removable Disk G....

don't try to copy your Dropbox folder. Instead, copy the calibre library folder that should be a separate folder inside of the Dropbox folder.

It's possible that the calibre library contains very long filenames that your USB stick doesn't support. Once solution is to:

1. copy the calibre library folder and its contents to a new location on your HD outside of the Dropbox folder
2. Create a ZIP archive containing the calibre library folder. I'm not familiar with Vista's options, but I believe that you can simply right-click on the Desktop and select New > Compressed (ZIP) folder... from the resulting menu. You then place the calibre library folder into this compressed folder.
3. copy the compressed folder to the USB drive.

On the new machine you should be able to easily copy the calibre library from the compressed folder on the USB stick into the desired location on your new machine's HD.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by crossi

Then I got popup:
"The file metadata (Cindy-PC's conflicted copy 2013-01-21).db has properties that cannot be copied to the new location.

@crossi - I suspect those messages are due to the fact the you are or have been running calibre and dropbox concurrently - which is a no-no, see penultimate para in I am getting errors with my calibre library on a networked drive/NAS?

This does not detract from the advice given by previous responders.

If you want to use dropbox on your new machine use something (batch file, powershell script etc) that stops dropbox before you start calibre and restarts it when you close calibre. Ask if you need help with that.

It's probably too late, but it would have been a good idea to run Library Maintenance->Check Library and resolve any anomalies before you did the move. I suggest you do it on the new machine ASAP, and make sure Dropbox isn't running.

You'll need to transfer the configuration data manually. See the last paragraph in How do I backup calibre?

BR