Moving library to new MacBook

[paieye]

I have installed (wonderful) Calibre on this new MacBook, and now need to move my Library here. I have tried finding my existing Library, and moving it to a new folder, but Calibre rejects every folder that I create. Can any kind person give me VERY simple instructions ?

[kovidgoyal]

https://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq...ter-to-another

[azt33]

I just migrated everything from my old MacBook Pro to my new MacBook Air and it was no problem. Did you ensure that you move to the same path (exactly the same path) as on your previous one? Or can you get Calibre to create a folder for you, and just move it all there?

[paieye]

Originally Posted by azt33

I just migrated everything from my old MacBook Pro to my new MacBook Air and it was no problem. Did you ensure that you move to the same path (exactly the same path) as on your previous one? Or can you get Calibre to create a folder for you, and just move it all there?

I gitdy
I first tried to migrate using a USB Cable. This MacBook did not detect my Fire Tablet, so I installed Send to Kindle. That made no difference, so I turned to Calibre. I have tried to Export, but Calendar will no recognise the destination folder, regardless of its name or location. Where do I go from here ? Meanwhile, thank you for coming to my help.

[paieye]

When I try to Switch/Create Library, I choose an empty subfolder. When I click OK, I am told that the subfolder cannot be. used. I attach screen-captures that I hope may make my predicament clear.

[dunhill]

Originally Posted by paieye

When I try to Switch/Create Library, I choose an empty subfolder. When I click OK, I am told that the subfolder cannot be. used. I attach screen-captures that I hope may make my predicament clear.

First create an empty folder.
He then tells calibre to create a new library.
(Second option) with the path of the folder that I created at the beginning.
What the first image says is that he is going to use an existing library in that place.

[paieye]

Originally Posted by dunhill

First create an empty folder.
He then tells calibre to create a new library.
(Second option) with the path of the folder that I created at the beginning.
What the first image says is that he is going to use an existing library in that place.

But when I try to move/switch to he new empty folder, I keep getting the error-message. Does it matter where the folder is ? Supposing I creatd a subfolder in -- just for the sake of an example -- Documents, ought that to work ?

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by paieye

But when I try to move/switch to he new empty folder, I keep getting the error-message. Does it matter where the folder is ? Supposing I creatd a subfolder in -- just for the sake of an example -- Documents, ought that to work ?

You are attempting to create a new calibre library inside an existing calibre library. I would suggest creating your new library as /Users/macbook/Calibre Library 2022 instead. Or create a new directory called calibre and move the existing calibre library into that directory and creating a new library inside the calibre directory. See the attached image for what I mean (I use 3 libraries, Intake where books are imported and worked on, Main where most books live and Holder for books which I am having issues with.

[paieye]

I just cannot get that to work. I have again attaached screenshots, which I hope will show what is happening. I am. truly grateful for your help.

[DNSB]

Basically, check the new library folder and delete any files, directories, whatever that are in it. What calibre will expect to see is an empty directory. An example from Terminal is:

davidb@Davids-VMMac calibre % mkdir "Calibre Library 2022"
davidb@Davids-VMMac calibre % cd "Calibre Library 2022"
davidb@Davids-VMMac Calibre Library 2022 % ls -alr
total 0
drwxr-xr-x  3 davidb  staff  96  2 Mar 08:32 ..
drwxr-xr-x  2 davidb  staff  64  2 Mar 08:32 .
davidb@Davids-VMMac Calibre Library 2022 %

If ls -alr shows files/directories, you can use rm to remove files in the directory and rmdir to remove directories but be very careful that you are in the right place before doing this.

[paieye]

I have checked the identity of the folder using Get Info, and the result is as shown in the screenshot attached to this message. I thought that mdtadata.db WAS the Calibre Library, Again, my thans.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by paieye

I have checked the identity of the folder using Get Info, and the result is as shown in the screenshot attached to this message. I thought that metadata.db WAS the Calibre Library, Again, my thanks.

What this looks like is that you started a transfer and then it was not completed unless you have only one author in your calibre library . You might want to check if whatever books in that location are still in your old library. If so, just delete those files/directories. Otherwise, copy the author name folder elsewhere and then import the books in it after your main library is copied to the new location.

[dunhill]

Originally Posted by DNSB

What this looks like is that you started a transfer and then it was not completed unless you have only one author in your calibre library . You might want to check if whatever books in that location are still in your old library. If so, just delete those files/directories. Otherwise, copy the author name folder elsewhere and then import the books in it after your main library is copied to the new location.

[theducks]

That is a fresh install, default New Library.
(that book is the users guide)

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by theducks

That is a fresh install, default New Library.
(that book is the users guide)

That's why the author name sounded familiar!