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Full Version: Clarification on updating to lastest without losing my library?
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All my PCs are on various V17 versions right now and its about time to update before it gets too long in the tooth.

Do I just install Kodi over the old version like I'm installing like normal? I can't find anything mentioning if I need to do a library back up or if it survives the update process.
Kodi v17 and v18 use the same video database v116.
Yet making backups is always a good idea. Smile

You can install v18 over v17. The installer will confirm that when you use the installer version (not the MS store version afaik).
@Cyb3rst0rm

Yes, just updating over the top should be fine. But, like all major updates, you should make a backup just in case. Thankfully you are on Windows, so really, really simple to do.

If you installed Kodi by downloading the installer program from our website, then go to... C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming. Look for the Kodi folder and copy it so you end up with Kodi- Copy

If things go bad after the update, you still have a backup copy that you can just put back in place.
(2019-12-19, 00:33)Cyb3rst0rm Wrote: [ -> ]All my PCs are on various V17 versions right now and its about time to update before it gets too long in the tooth.

Do I just install Kodi over the old version like I'm installing like normal? I can't find anything mentioning if I need to do a library back up or if it survives the update process.
 

OK, this is what I had assumed but I wanted to verify as my library is extremely large and re-importing it is not fun. I will still make a backup of the userdata folder incase this somehow blows up in my face.

Also, are we implying that V19 will be using a different video library? I just want to know if I need to prepare myself mentally for the task of a manual reimport.
(2019-12-19, 00:40)Cyb3rst0rm Wrote: [ -> ]Also, are we implying that V19 will be using a different video library? I just want to know if I need to prepare myself mentally for the task of a manual reimport.
Yes, there is usually changes to the database schema between major upgrades... https://kodi.wiki/view/Databases#Database_Versions

For large libraries, we recommend exporting to Separate Files (nfo files) and that way you can preserve your library, watched status, play counts, last played etc... https://kodi.wiki/view/Import-export_library