Backup creates empty folders
SUMMARY
Strict setting in anti-virus programs may result in problems with accessing files in SuperMemo collections. This is one example.
See also: Some applications lock SuperMemo files and cause errors
Problem
I have no idea how to help you reproduce the problem, so I'll give a storyline of how it began to happen. I had to reinstall Windows on my PC. I restored SuperMemo based on an emergency backup of the SuperMemo folder stored in C:\SuperMemo I had created fairly recently. Everything in SuperMemo has been working just fine, until this morning when I began to play around with making encrypted backups by having SM save to a folder that automatically encrypts everything placed into it (Cryptomator software). The backup was taking too long, so I stopped the experiment and asked SM to make a backup to a regular non-encrypted folder in my Documents folder. Now when I ask SM to make a regular backup it creates a folder with the appropriate name, but no contents inside it.
I'm going to uninstall Cryptomator and restart my computer to see what happens.
Suggestions
Please do not uninstall Cryptomator. Perhaps upload or mail the screenshot that you see when pressing Shift+F12. It shows back up name, location, and the location of the last backup
Response from User
Solved! I had somehow accidentally revoked the permission for SuperMemo to alter system-related files (including Documents folder) in my Antivirus while setting it up.
Sorry for creating any concerns or waste of time.
Conclusion
This is not wasted time! This should help others in similar situations. If you add a few words about that anti-virus program (e.g. name, the setting, etc.) that FAQ would be even easier to track. thank you
Details
Problem: SuperMemo backup yields empty folders.
Possible solution: make sure you have permission to access the backup location. A Windows user may lack permission to access a folder. Similarly, protection software such as an antivirus may block access to protected folders.
One SuperMemo user was using the BitDefender Antivirus in tight security settings. Without telling the antivirus software to give SuperMemo permission to write to his Documents folder, Supermemo could only create empty backup folders.
This is generally not an issue with any Antivirus software, but some users like the case above have strict antivirus settings, and may need to manually enter proper permissions.
See also: Some applications lock SuperMemo files and cause errors