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Milner Library

Zotero

This guide provides in-depth instructions on how to use Zotero, organize sources, and create in-text citations and bibliographies.

Common Error Messages

The two most common error messages people encounter with Zotero are:

  • "Zotero cannot communicate"
  • "not responding"

Zotero cannot communicate

This error message can occur with browser connector, or when adding source information in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice/OpenOffice.

First

  • Make sure the Zotero desktop app is open

Second

If the desktop app is open and you are trying to add an in-text citation or bibliography

  1. Close Word (Cmd + Q on MacOS)
  2. In the desktop app, select Tools and then Add-ons.
  3. Click the Disable button next to the Zotero for Word Integration option
  4. Close the Add-on window and close Zotero (Cmd + Q on MacOS).
  5. Open the desktop app, select Tools and then Add-ons.
  6. Click the Enable button next to the Zotero for Word Integration option
  7. Close the Add-on window and close Zotero (Cmd + Q on MacOS)
  8. Open the desktop app again.
  9. Open Word again

Third

If you've done some editing and deleted in-text citations, there may be lingering field codes that are hidden.

  1. In the Word document, press Alt + F9 (Option + F9 for MacOS) to display the hidden fields
  2. Delete any broken field code
  3. Press Alt + F9 (Option + F9 for MacOS) to hid the field codes again
  4. Close Word (Cmd + Q on MacOS)
  5. Close Zotero and open it again
  6. Open Word again

Zotero not responding

Occasionally, when using the Browser Connector to add sources to your Library a 'not responding' message appears. This typically happens when you are downloading multiple sources with pdfs at once or the pdf is very large. Just leave the Connector and desktop app alone to resolve on its own. If it seems stuck after several minutes, it could be an internet connectivity issues or an issue with your computer's processing power. Close your browser and try again. Or close all apps on your computer and restart your computer.

Where else to go for help

If you are not able to find an answer to your issue here, the Zotero community has a robust knowledge base and discussion forums. Most answers to issues can be found in there.

Additional Links