moved library to new computer, lost metadata

catsknit · 12-31-2018, 12:22 AM

I just moved my library to a new Windows 10 PC, after exporting it from a Windows 7 PC

When I tried importing it, it gave me an error so I followed the directions in the FAQ about just copying it. However, I didn't read it closely enough, and instead of just pointing Calibre to where I had the folder, I copied its contents into the NEW Calibre library folder which was automatically set up by wizard when I first opened Calibre on new PC.

It asked whether to skip copying the metadata.db file but I said to use the old one, overwriting the (empty) db file in the new folder.

Opening Calibre again, all my books are there (yay!) but most of the metadata is missing. Some tags were retained, but any downloaded synopsis info, as well as all my custom metadata, is gone. I had used the custom fields to make collections for my Kobo, as well as the read/unread button, and all that is gone.

Before I go back and spend hours re-adding all of this, are there any other thoughts? I do still have my back-up of the exported library on the portable hard drive but I don't see how that would be any different.

thanks in advance
I do have the latest version of Calibre, downloaded today.

Adoby · 12-31-2018, 09:14 AM

So you have good backups. You know what you did wrong. You have found information about how to do it right.

Do it again, but this time right. If you fail, try to figure out why and do it again.

It really shouldn't be too difficult to copy one folder from one computer to another.

12-31-2018, 12:22 AM	#1
catsknit Addict Posts: 224 Karma: 34036 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Kobo Glo HD, Samsung tablet, Kobo Libra, InkPad 3 Pro	moved library to new computer, lost metadata I just moved my library to a new Windows 10 PC, after exporting it from a Windows 7 PC When I tried importing it, it gave me an error so I followed the directions in the FAQ about just copying it. However, I didn't read it closely enough, and instead of just pointing Calibre to where I had the folder, I copied its contents into the NEW Calibre library folder which was automatically set up by wizard when I first opened Calibre on new PC. It asked whether to skip copying the metadata.db file but I said to use the old one, overwriting the (empty) db file in the new folder. Opening Calibre again, all my books are there (yay!) but most of the metadata is missing. Some tags were retained, but any downloaded synopsis info, as well as all my custom metadata, is gone. I had used the custom fields to make collections for my Kobo, as well as the read/unread button, and all that is gone. Before I go back and spend hours re-adding all of this, are there any other thoughts? I do still have my back-up of the exported library on the portable hard drive but I don't see how that would be any different. thanks in advance I do have the latest version of Calibre, downloaded today.

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12-31-2018, 09:14 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	So you have good backups. You know what you did wrong. You have found information about how to do it right. Do it again, but this time right. If you fail, try to figure out why and do it again. It really shouldn't be too difficult to copy one folder from one computer to another.

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