Difference between methods of exporting data/settings?

Skydog · 12-26-2021, 07:34 PM

I routinely backup my Calibre library as well as the Calibre folder (via method #2 below). What exactly is the difference between the two methods below, and which is best, for the purpose of migrating a duplicate Calibre installation to a new computer? Is #1 as comprehensive as #2, i.e., saving all customizations, plugins, etc.?

Per the user manual:

1. Calibre library: Export/import all calibre data: Allows you to either export calibre data for migration to a new computer or import previously exported data.

Or:

2. Preferences => Miscellaneous => Open Calibre configuration folder (and save the entire Calibre folder)

theducks · 12-26-2021, 08:14 PM

1) does Everything, including ALL Libraries (selectable)

2) only does USER configuration, not Library configuration (lik custom cols)

Sirtel · 12-26-2021, 08:15 PM

I've always used method 2 to move my Calibre stuff to another computer, and never have had any issues, other than the screen resolution differences on different computers (for which I use the View Manager plugin).

I use FreeFileSync for incremental backup of the library and settings folder.

As I understand it, method 1 is meant for moving to another computer, not really for backup.

Skydog · 12-26-2021, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

1) does Everything, including ALL Libraries (selectable)

2) only does USER configuration, not Library configuration (lik custom cols)

Thank you again, @theducks. Looks like I've been doing it the hard way. Good to know #1 also includes cust. columns, plugin configs., etc. I was concerned I might not have everything covered.

Skydog · 12-26-2021, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I've always used method 2 to move my Calibre stuff to another computer, and never have had any issues, other than the screen resolution differences on different computers (for which I use the View Manager plugin).

I use FreeFileSync for incremental backup of the library and settings folder.

As I understand it, method 1 is meant for moving to another computer, not really for backup.

Actually, I backup for worst-case scenario of having an unplanned setup of a new computer. So, perhaps I can continue regular backups of #2 and my frequent sync (via SyncToy) of the library.

Are you refering to settings within the library folder?

Sirtel · 12-26-2021, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skydog

Are you refering to settings within the library folder?

No, I meant the configuration folder in AppData.

Skydog · 12-26-2021, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirtel

No, I meant the configuration folder in AppData.

Thank you.

Karellen · 12-26-2021, 10:02 PM

When I recently rebuilt my pc I replaced the SSD c:\ and had to reinstall Windows.

I simply copied my %appdata%\Calibre from the old drive to the new c: drive and I was up and running again within seconds.

Sirtel · 12-26-2021, 10:55 PM

I've copied my Calibre libraries and configuration folder to 6 different laptops and tablets in 10 years. No issues, except with different resolutions and aspect ratios I had to change the column widths.

Joliet Jake · 01-01-2022, 09:25 PM

I always do #1, and backup my database/library regularly.

I don't want to set up collections/series columns or DeDRM, or Kobo Utilities, or Kobo Touch Extended again either. I got a new computer last year and the transition was totally seamless since I didn't have to "reinvent the wheel".

12-26-2021, 10:02 PM	#8
Karellen Wizard Posts: 1,298 Karma: 6700864 Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2	When I recently rebuilt my pc I replaced the SSD c:\ and had to reinstall Windows. I simply copied my %appdata%\Calibre from the old drive to the new c: drive and I was up and running again within seconds. Last edited by Karellen; 12-26-2021 at 10:03 PM. Reason: SSD not SDD

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12-26-2021, 07:34 PM	#1
Skydog Wizard Posts: 2,284 Karma: 7409537 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Circling Earth @ Mach .83 Device: Elipsa 2E, Sage, Libra Colour, Libra 2, Clara 2E, Oasis3, Voyage	Difference between methods of exporting data/settings? I routinely backup my Calibre library as well as the Calibre folder (via method #2 below). What exactly is the difference between the two methods below, and which is best, for the purpose of migrating a duplicate Calibre installation to a new computer? Is #1 as comprehensive as #2, i.e., saving all customizations, plugins, etc.? Per the user manual: 1. Calibre library: Export/import all calibre data: Allows you to either export calibre data for migration to a new computer or import previously exported data. Or: 2. Preferences => Miscellaneous => Open Calibre configuration folder (and save the entire Calibre folder)

12-26-2021, 08:14 PM	#2
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 30,351 Karma: 58032210 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	1) does Everything, including ALL Libraries (selectable) 2) only does USER configuration, not Library configuration (lik custom cols)

12-26-2021, 08:15 PM	#3
Sirtel Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,103 Karma: 227343916 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Estonia Device: Kobo Sage & Libra 2	I've always used method 2 to move my Calibre stuff to another computer, and never have had any issues, other than the screen resolution differences on different computers (for which I use the View Manager plugin). I use FreeFileSync for incremental backup of the library and settings folder. As I understand it, method 1 is meant for moving to another computer, not really for backup.

12-26-2021, 10:55 PM	#9
Sirtel Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,103 Karma: 227343916 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Estonia Device: Kobo Sage & Libra 2	I've copied my Calibre libraries and configuration folder to 6 different laptops and tablets in 10 years. No issues, except with different resolutions and aspect ratios I had to change the column widths.

01-01-2022, 09:25 PM	#10
Joliet Jake Zealot Posts: 110 Karma: 3098438 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Canada Device: Kobo Sage	I always do #1, and backup my database/library regularly. I don't want to set up collections/series columns or DeDRM, or Kobo Utilities, or Kobo Touch Extended again either. I got a new computer last year and the transition was totally seamless since I didn't have to "reinvent the wheel".

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