How to store and protect the library?

[theducks]

Originally Posted by AnnieQuinn

Hi, in this section, should I tick the database or leave it blank? Thank you so much.

If you are using the copy from any other place, the DB could be out of date.
Mostly the DB lessens the scan for changes data consumption (I had missed that option and my scan actually takes more time, than the file update phase).
If you have a Connection data quota (or slow connection), you might want to use the DB to reduce traffic.

[JSWolf]

This thread really should be in Library Management.

[chaley]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

This thread really should be in Library Management.

Done.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by AnnieQuinn

Hi, in this section, should I tick the database or leave it blank? Thank you so much.

I leave it empty.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I leave it empty.

Size and/or date is good enough to know the file is newer.

[BetterRed]

Originally Posted by AnnieQuinn

Hi, in this section, should I tick the database or leave it blank? Thank you so much.

See ==>> Synchronization Settings - FreeFileSync

Detect Moved Files

FreeFileSync is able to detect moved files and quickly apply the same move on the target side during synchronization instead of a slow copy and delete. To makes this work, Use database file to detect changes must be checked and the file system must support file IDs.

I use GoodSync, which has a similar feature, saves lots of time if I change a Book Title or a Main Author Name especially for 'books' with Audio/Video format files.

BR

[AnnieQuinn]

Thanks everyone for sharing and helping me.

[pypeke]

Thank you all for answering the OP's questions. I am new, too. I had not backed up to Google, but it is good to know that I should not use it for my Calibre backup.

I was using 2 laptops that were networked. (I hope that is the correct term.) One laptop is only used as my Plex movie server and has 2 8TB external drives attached. The other laptop is the one that is used for Calibre, so my data backups, like photos and documents are file shared (??) to the backup external drive.

I did not set that network up, so now that I have a new laptop, I need to add it to the network. I have tried following directions online, but I am missing something. The new laptop is Windows 11 and the 2 older laptops are Windows 10. Since Windows 10 will no longer be supported by 2025-2026, I thought I should start now and switch everything to the new laptop. It may take me a long time to figure out how to create that network. LOL.

1. Can anyone help me with that network?

The problem with the regular PC backup is I don't understand how it works. From what I have read in this post, it looks like FreeFileSync and Good Sync will pay attention to what was previously backed up and will not duplicate.

2. Do I understand that correctly?

My normal backup, if I understand correctly, backs up everything, but makes duplicates like books, documents, and photos?

So, I would have an external drive backup and a Cloud backup?

3. What could I use as a 3rd backup? I don't have a safety deposit box at a bank, but I do have a small fireproof safe and a tall, empty gun safe. Not sure if the gun safe is fireproof or not. But, in case of a tornado (Oklahoma!), the safes could "fly". In case of a house fire, would the backup external drive in the safe still work? Would the heat inside the safe destroy the external drive?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[Sirtel]

First, don't put your Calibre library anywhere that automatically syncs, shares or makes backups to somewhere else. Put it in a strictly local place on your local drive and use FreeFileSync to make a backup copy. A backup copy can reside in a cloud, on a networked drive and/or on an external drive.

And yes, FreeFileSync detects the differences between the original and the copy and only updates what has been changed. Only use the mirror mode, never two-way for your calibre library.

[AnnieQuinn]

Hi, I'm startled because I remembered that I didn't ask another important question for me.
When I create a custom column, where is its information stored? Does the library backup we're discussing here protect the data and information of custom columns?
Thanks for reading and helping me.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by AnnieQuinn

Hi, I'm startled because I remembered that I didn't ask another important question for me.
When I create a custom column, where is its information stored? Does the library backup we're discussing here protect the data and information of custom columns?
Thanks for reading and helping me.

Everything is in the DB <<<<<
The metadata_db_prefs_backup.json is the DB STRUCTURE backup, that make a fresh DB exactly like the old one if needed. That allows the RESTORE process to have the needed places to put the custom stuff.

[AnnieQuinn]

Originally Posted by theducks

Everything is in the DB <<<<<
The metadata_db_prefs_backup.json is the DB STRUCTURE backup, that make a fresh DB exactly like the old one if needed. That allows the RESTORE process to have the needed places to put the custom stuff.

Thank you very much.:Cảm ơn: