JW Library for Windows Problems?

[LoverOfJah1959]

Hi Friends,

 

Recently, when I went to use JW Library on my Windows 11 PC, I noticed that publications didn't appear properly. The formatting and layout of publications was messed up. I decided to completely uninstall the program, reboot my PC and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. I did so and when I went to the Library tab, only 4 icons were there (Books, Brochures and Booklets, Tracts and Invitations and Article Series) and the other 9 were missing. Very strange indeed. So, I uninstalled it again and rebooted my PC. I then did a search on JW.org for JW Library and found an article entitled, "Install JW Library if You Cannot Access an App Store—Windows". I downloaded the file, installed it through PowerShell using their instructions and started up this new installation of JW Library again.  I went to the Library tab, and again, only 4 icons were there (Books, Brochures and Booklets, Tracts and Invitations and Article Series) and the other 9 were missing. This is very strange behavior indeed. I have no issues with JW Library on my iPhone, iPad or my MacBook Air. Has anyone here experienced a similar problem with the Windows version and hopefully found a solution. I have Watchtower Library installed on my PC, but I prefer to use JW Library as I can sync my research to all of my devices. I am very computer literate and can handle complex instructions on a PC. I suppose that I will have to call the United States Branch for assistance on Monday with my problems with the program.

 

Roger

[Tortuga]

I hope you get a better answer than mine, but I have heard that it is an issue with the hidden catalog file when you install or reinstall JWLibrary. The Library tab will only show what is available in the hidden catalog file until it updates. I have heard that deleting a publication that has been downloaded, then downloading it again will sometimes force the catalog file to update. Sometimes just leaving the app open for several hours lets the catalog file update. 

 

Do a search on this site for "catalog" and you may find a better answer.

[Myew]

Even if you uninstall an app, it can leave behind appdata. A potential fix might be going into Windows Settings > Apps > JW Library > Advanced Options > Reset. Then try the above mentioned tips of updating the catalog.

[LoverOfJah1959]

Hi Tortuga and Myew,

 

Thanks so much for both of your replies. I use an excellent program called Revo Uninstaller for Windows to completely remove all traces of installed programs. It removes all registry entries associated with a program and deletes all of their hidden files too. I guess that I will need to call the Branch to request assistance. Hopefully, they can help me solve this issue. I'll let you know here what I find out. Thanks again.

 

Roger

[Myew]

Tiny tangent: I was using Geek Uninstaller up until now as it's super tiny and fast and simpler than Revo - but it appears there's a new even better contender on the block, Uninstalr. I like it, searching for "leftover" I found a few. https://uninstalr.com/ https://uninstalr.com/blog/comparing-windows-uninstallers-and-making-uninstalr/

[MiVaNi]

Hi BrotherOfJah1959, 

 

can you please update this thread when you have found (or discussed with HQ) what the solution is? 

 

I encountered the same problem yesterday in our JW Lib, where in Publications, Video’s, Sing for Jehovah the songs and also the original songs were really messed up and not all were showing anymore.

 

I tried deleting the physical video’s and then via meetings, media and clicking through to the Sing for Jehovah list downloaded them again, but that didn’t solve the problem.

 

So our songs go from 1-45, then 1-8 starts again with white thumbnails, then 2 again, and so on… there is a big list of songs, but it stops and repeats constantly, with 58 being the last song in the list…

 

with brotherly love from Belgium.

 

Micha 

[LoverOfJah1959]

On 12/31/2024 at 1:09 PM, Myew said:

Tiny tangent: I was using Geek Uninstaller up until now as it's super tiny and fast and simpler than Revo - but it appears there's a new even better contender on the block, Uninstalr. I like it, searching for "leftover" I found a few. https://uninstalr.com/ https://uninstalr.com/blog/comparing-windows-uninstallers-and-making-uninstalr/

 

Thanks so much for the recommendation!

 

[LoverOfJah1959]

On 1/6/2025 at 12:46 AM, MiVaNi said:

Hi BrotherOfJah1959, 

 

can you please update this thread when you have found (or discussed with HQ) what the solution is? 

 

I encountered the same problem yesterday in our JW Lib, where in Publications, Video’s, Sing for Jehovah the songs and also the original songs were really messed up and not all were showing anymore.

 

I tried deleting the physical video’s and then via meetings, media and clicking through to the Sing for Jehovah list downloaded them again, but that didn’t solve the problem.

 

So our songs go from 1-45, then 1-8 starts again with white thumbnails, then 2 again, and so on… there is a big list of songs, but it stops and repeats constantly, with 58 being the last song in the list…

 

with brotherly love from Belgium.

 

Micha 

 

Hi Micha,

 

Unfortunately, I haven't had an opportunity to call the Branch Office about this problem yet. I'll definitely let you know what I find out either way. Thanks for your patience.

 

Roger