Calibre Import not Working

[sysezy]

Hi,

I recently had to wipe the hard drive on my computer. Before doing so, I exported all my Calibre data. I am back up and running, but when I try to import the files I had previously exported, I get the error "No exported data found". I hope I'm missing a step because the alternative is completely rebuilding my 2300+ book library from scratch. Please help!

[theducks]

Did you use the same ICON as the export? There is an IMPORT choice. You do not use the Add Books for these.

[JSWolf]

Also, you should have a proper backup of your libraries and settings which you can use to restore.

[enuddleyarbl]

Where did you export your data to (i.e., where are you importing it from)? Do the files look like "part-000n.calibre-data"? Is "No exported data found" the entire error message?

[sysezy]

Originally Posted by theducks

Did you use the same ICON as the export? There is an IMPORT choice. You do not use the Add Books for these.

Definitely the same icon, I checked.

[sysezy]

Originally Posted by enuddleyarbl

Where did you export your data to (i.e., where are you importing it from)? Do the files look like "part-000n.calibre-data"? Is "No exported data found" the entire error message?

I exported to Google Drive because I knew I would be able to access it between computers. The files do look like that. The error is "The first part of this exported data set is missing". Sorry, I was frustrated last night when I posted and wasn't correct.

[sysezy]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Also, you should have a proper backup of your libraries and settings which you can use to restore.

No argument from me. Mistakes have clearly been made and won't continue in the future.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by sysezy

I exported to Google Drive because I knew I would be able to access it between computers. The files do look like that. The error is "The first part of this exported data set is missing". Sorry, I was frustrated last night when I posted and wasn't correct.

Google drive is your problem. It modifies the filename. (the same issue for why a working library can't be pass thru. GD does versioning and that breaks the Calibre id assignments.
I would have suggested a USB file transfer cable except $40
(in the olde days, we used a 'Laplink' Serial or Parallel port cable)

[enuddleyarbl]

@theducks: Do you happen to know if the files are recoverable from Google Drive? If the OP copies them back to his local computer, do the files recover their original names? Or has Google Drive mangled the files enough to render them unusable? Since we're talking about the export's "...calibre-data" files and not the actual libraries, maybe the internal library information will be recoverable if the import routine can stitch the exported files back together again.

EDIT: @sysezy: Are the files still on Google Drive when you try to import them? If so, maybe copying them back to the local machine, making sure the names look right, and running the import against those files will work.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by enuddleyarbl

@theducks: Do you happen to know if the files are recoverable from Google Drive? If the OP copies them back to his local computer, do the files recover their original names? Or has Google Drive mangled the files enough to render them unusable? Since we're talking about the export's "...calibre-data" files and not the actual libraries, maybe the internal library information will be recoverable if the import routine can stitch the exported files back together again.

No clue.I have my own NAS, Laptop and USB3 drive. For my copies If the house burns, I have way bigger issues than what is on my 3 readers (I don't have the same books on each)
A Family member got hit by the Eaton fire. They saved the dogs and 2 cars. Reconstruction JUST started. Nothing survived. Photos, media collection...

[sysezy]

Originally Posted by theducks

Google drive is your problem. It modifies the filename. (the same issue for why a working library can't be pass thru. GD does versioning and that breaks the Calibre id assignments.
I would have suggested a USB file transfer cable except $40
(in the olde days, we used a 'Laplink' Serial or Parallel port cable)

Thank you! Having an answer is so helpful and will stop my tearing my hair out.

[sysezy]

Originally Posted by enuddleyarbl

@theducks: Do you happen to know if the files are recoverable from Google Drive? If the OP copies them back to his local computer, do the files recover their original names? Or has Google Drive mangled the files enough to render them unusable? Since we're talking about the export's "...calibre-data" files and not the actual libraries, maybe the internal library information will be recoverable if the import routine can stitch the exported files back together again.

EDIT: @sysezy: Are the files still on Google Drive when you try to import them? If so, maybe copying them back to the local machine, making sure the names look right, and running the import against those files will work.

No, I downloaded them first. Seems like I did lots of incorrect things on this project. Live and learn.

[enuddleyarbl]

It looks like you have a Kobo e-reader. If all the books are on that e-reader, I'd guess you could recover them into Calibre by adding them from the e-reader. I'm not sure of the exact method (connect the e-reader and do an Add Books from within Calibre or just selecting them all in a file manager and dragging them into Calibre (or something else I don't know of -- EDIT: connecting the device, clicking on the Device button and selecting everything from there looks like a good option).

EDIT: I'm still scratching my head over Google drive changing the actual "...calibre-data" files. How many were there? With 2300+ books, I'd imagine there'd have been at least a dozen. Are you absolutely sure the first one (at least) is named part-0001.calibre-data?