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| zotero_data [2019/08/16 08:47] – [Where did my items go?] dstillman | zotero_data [2019/08/19 17:18] – [Backing Up Your Zotero Library] dstillman |
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| ===== Backing Up Your Zotero Library ===== | ===== Backing Up Your Zotero Database ===== |
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| We strongly recommend that you regularly back up your Zotero library. Syncing is not a good substitute for backing up: the Zotero servers only store the most recent version of your library, and it takes just a single (possibly automatic) sync to change the server copy. | We strongly recommend that you regularly back up your Zotero database. Syncing is not a good substitute for backing up: the Zotero servers only store the most recent version of your libraries, and it takes just a single (possibly automatic) sync to change the server copy. |
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| Rather than backing up just your Zotero library, we recommend using a backup utility that automatically backs up your entire hard drive to an external device on a regular basis. Most modern operating systems offer such functionality (e.g., Time Machine on Macs). | Rather than backing up just your Zotero database, we recommend using a backup utility that automatically backs up your entire hard drive to an external device on a regular basis. Most modern operating systems offer such functionality (e.g., Time Machine on Macs). |
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| If you want to back up your Zotero data specifically, [[zotero_data#locating_your_zotero_data|locate your Zotero data]], close Zotero, and copy your data directory (the //entire directory//, including ''storage'' and the other subdirectories) to a backup location, preferably on another storage device. As with all important data, it is a good idea to back up your Zotero data frequently. | If you want to back up your Zotero data specifically, [[zotero_data#locating_your_zotero_data|locate your Zotero data]], close Zotero, and copy your data directory (the //entire directory//, including ''storage'' and the other subdirectories) to a backup location, preferably on another storage device. As with all important data, it is a good idea to back up your Zotero data frequently. |
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| **Warning**: Zotero lets you export your Zotero library as a Zotero RDF file. However, exporting and importing your library via RDF won't result in an exact copy of your library, and it isn't recommended as a backup strategy. | **Warning**: Zotero lets you export a Zotero library as a Zotero RDF file. However, exporting and importing your library via RDF won't result in an exact copy of your library, and it isn't recommended as a backup strategy. |
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| For step-by-step, illustrated backup instructions, see [[http://libguides.northwestern.edu/content.php?pid=68444&sid=676064|this guide provided by the Northwestern University library]]. | For step-by-step, illustrated backup instructions, see [[http://libguides.northwestern.edu/content.php?pid=68444&sid=676064|this guide provided by the Northwestern University library]]. |
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