Bookends 12.2.4 Crashes While Syncing With Another Library

[ananthan]

I use Bookends on two computers, both running Yosemite currently. I have a local library on each computer, and one in DropBox. I use the "Use last sync dates" setting for Master/Client determination as detailed in the User Guide. However, on my MacBookPro - running OS 10.10.2 - Bookends crashes during the sync when these options are checked: References to be modified and Update Groups. This has been a persistent problem ever since I upgraded to Yosemite and I have rebuilt the database numerous times with no relief.

Has anybody else run into this? If yes, did you find a resolution?

I am hoping to resolve this as I really don't want to invest in another application at this point if at all possible. I am working on my dissertation and my references need to be easily accessible and in the same organizational structure across my devices. I have attached a screenshot of the Sync screen.

Many thanks in advance!

Vidya

[Jon]

Do not mix Dropbox sync with Bookends sync. Use one or the other, they are mutually exclusive. Either turn off Bookends Sync or get your database out of the Dropbox folder.

Jon
Sonny Software

[ananthan]

Jon,

I am willing to turn off the Dropbox library, if you can let me know how to then keep the local libraries on my iMac and my MacBookPro in sync.

I used the following scenario detailed in the User Guide as the starting point to set this up and it has worked wonderfully until now:

You are the only person using sync to maintain your library. You have a client library at work or school, a client at home, and a remote library on a server. Configure the two libraries so that Bookends will Use last sync dates. References can then be added/deleted/edited at work, synced with the remote library, and when you go home you sync the library there with the remote library.

Based on the above scenario, the DropBox library serves as the remote library, and the iMac/MBP libraries are the clients. I never modify the library on Dropbox. If I turn off DropBox, then what would I use as my remote server?

Thanks!

[Jon]

But the library in the Dropbox folder syncs to both Macs automatically (that's what Dropbox does) independently of Bookends. You can use Dropbox, that's fine, it uploads and downloads the library file from/to your Macs. But then don't use Bookends Sync, which uses and entirely different method for sync (and which will interfere with Bookends Sync). So leave your library in the Dropbox folder, and turn off Bookends Sync.

Jon
Sonny Software

[ananthan]

Thanks Jon! I usually sync manually, so, I will see stop using Bookends Sync and see how it goes.

[ananthan]

I just realized that I failed to communicate a critical piece of information that may have distorted your understanding of my setup:

The local libraries for the iMac and MBP live in the Documents folder of those computers. They are local in every sense of the word.
The DropBox folder on the iMac and MBP contains the the remote library, which I never open.

Thus, to sync in the manner you suggest, I would have to manually copy-paste the .bdb file to DropBox each time to overwrite the remote and perform the sync. Not the most efficient process either.

I guess what you are suggesting is that I maintain one library file in DropBox and work exclusively off it? I believe I tried that early on and ran into some issues, but will give it a whirl.

Thanks!

[Jon]

The library in the Dropbox folder is not on a server. It is not in the cloud. It is on your HD. It is periodically uploaded and downloaded from a server. But it lives on your HD. So in reality you're syncing two libraries on the same HD when you use Bookends Sync with a library in the Documents folder and a library in the Dropbox folder. And if that sync occurs when Dropbox is modifying (uploading or downloading) the result is unpredictable.

If you don't have access to a real server (a network drive) to house your remote library, then you have two choices. Simply keep your working library in the Dropbox folder (and let Dropbox complete its sync before using it), or use Bookends Sync with your libraries on your two Macs that are in the Documents folder.

If you want to follow this up, please contact tech support (support@sonnysoftware.com).

Jon
Sonny Software

[ananthan]

Got it, that makes sense. I appreciate the explanation, provided clarity . I will follow up via email to tech support to figure out the rest.

Many thanks!

Vidya

[mwarner]

…also don't forget to close your instance of bookends running on one Mac BEFORE you start working in bookends on your other Mac. If you don't, you will have to deal with lots of conflicted copies of your database sitting in dropbox.