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| sync [2019/09/11 13:57] – [Alternative Syncing Solutions] dstillman | sync [2019/09/11 14:00] – [Alternative Syncing Solutions] dstillman |
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| If, for whatever reason, you are unable to use Zotero's syncing features, you can transfer your Zotero data using another method, such as by using a cloud storage service (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.), a network folder, or a tool such as rsync, but there are significant risks and limitations to this approach. | If, for whatever reason, you are unable to use Zotero's syncing features, you can transfer your Zotero data using another method, such as by using a cloud storage service (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.), a network folder, or a tool such as rsync, but there are significant risks and limitations to this approach. |
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| **Storing the Zotero data directory directly in a cloud storage folder is extremely likely to corrupt your Zotero database and should not be done.** (The same is true of most database-backed programs.) | **Storing the Zotero data directory directly in a cloud storage folder is extremely likely to corrupt your Zotero database and should not be done.** (The same is true of most database-backed programs.) The forums contain [[/forum/discussion/13359/|many]] [[/forum/discussion/27900/synching-to-dropbox/|threads]] [[/forum/discussion/6128/dropbox-and-zotero-15-case-conflicts/|about]] [[/forum/discussion/24593/backing-up-a-large-database-without-corrupting-it/|the problems]] that users have faced with Dropbox- or Google Drive–based setups. |
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| You can, however, store just the ''storage'' subdirectory of the Zotero data directory in cloud storage, as explained below. You can also manually copy your entire data directory to a synced folder after closing Zotero on one computer and then restore it — again with Zotero closed — on another computer, as if you were performing a [[zotero_data#backing_up_your_zotero_library|backup and restore]] of your data. | You can, however, store just the ''storage'' subdirectory of the Zotero data directory in cloud storage, as explained below. You can also manually copy your entire data directory to a synced folder after closing Zotero on one computer and then restore it — again with Zotero closed — on another computer, as if you were performing a [[zotero_data#backing_up_your_zotero_library|backup and restore]] of your data. |
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| - The easiest method is to use [[attaching_files#File_Copies_and_Links|linked files]], rather than stored copies of files, and to store your attachment files in the externally synced folder. The [[plugins#attachment_file_management|ZotFile plugin]] can make this simple by automatically moving attachment files to a designated folder as you import them. You should also set up Zotero's [[:preferences/advanced#linked_attachment_base_directory|Linked Attachment Base Directory]] feature so that Zotero can find your files on each computer, even if the path to the cloud storage folder differs. | - The easiest method is to use [[attaching_files#File_Copies_and_Links|linked files]], rather than stored copies of files, and to store your attachment files in the externally synced folder. The [[plugins#attachment_file_management|ZotFile plugin]] can make this simple by automatically moving attachment files to a designated folder as you import them. You should also set up Zotero's [[:preferences/advanced#linked_attachment_base_directory|Linked Attachment Base Directory]] feature so that Zotero can find your files on each computer, even if the path to the cloud storage folder differs. |
| - You can also use a [[http://zotpad.uservoice.com/knowledgebase/articles/103395-what-is-a-symbolic-link-and-why-should-i-use-one-w|symbolic link]] to sync only the ''storage'' directory from your Zotero data directory using the external sync service. This will sync your attachment files without touching the main Zotero SQLite database. | - You can also use a symlink to sync only the ''storage'' directory from your Zotero data directory using the external sync service. This will sync your attachment files without touching the main Zotero SQLite database. This is an advanced technique, and if you don't fully understand how to create symlinks and how they interact with your cloud storage service you should not use it. |
| - Finally, you can set the entire data directory inside Dropbox (or similar) and then use [[https://www.dropbox.com/help/175/en|selective sync options]] to disable syncing for the data directory and then enable syncing of the 'storage' subdirectory. If you set up this option incorrectly, you run great risk of losing data. The forums contain [[/forum/discussion/13359/|many]] [[/forum/discussion/27900/synching-to-dropbox/|threads]] [[/forum/discussion/6128/dropbox-and-zotero-15-case-conflicts/|about]] [[/forum/discussion/24593/backing-up-a-large-database-without-corrupting-it/|the problems]] that users have faced with Dropbox- or Google Drive–based setups. | - Finally, you can set the entire data directory inside Dropbox (or similar) and then use [[https://www.dropbox.com/help/175/en|selective sync options]] to disable syncing for the data directory and then enable syncing of the 'storage' subdirectory. If you set up this option incorrectly, you run great risk of losing data. |
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