LM Downloader: Apps Data Migration Guide ​

Why Data Migration is Needed? ​

LM Downloader is a easy-to-use and powerful LLM Apps downloading tool. This tool allows users to install and manage multiple AI applications on both Windows and Mac computers. By default, it stores all application data in the Documents/lmd_data_root directory on the system drive.

default directory ​

• On Windows, the data is stored in C:\Users\<username>\Documents\lmd_data_root.
  For example, if the username is Lily, the path would be C:\Users\Lily\Documents\lmd_data_root.
  You can open "My Documents" to see the lmd_data_root directory.

• On Mac, the data is stored in /Users/<username>/Documents/lmd_data_root.
  For example, if the username is Jane, the path would be /Users/jane/Documents/lmd_data_root.
  Open "Documents" in Finder to locate the lmd_data_root directory.

However, this default configuration may lead to the following issues in practice:

1. Insufficient system disk space: As more AI applications are installed, the lmd_data_root directory can consume significant storage, potentially causing low disk space and affecting overall system performance.

2. Path compatibility issues: On Windows, if the username contains spaces or special characters (e.g., Chinese characters, spaces), some applications may fail to read or write data properly due to compatibility problems.

3. Data security risks: If the system drive fails (e.g., due to a crash requiring reinstallation), the application data stored in the Documents directory could be lost.

4. Performance considerations: Moving the data storage to a separate, faster drive (e.g., an SSD or high-performance HDD) can improve application efficiency.

Therefore, migrating the data storage directory to a larger and more reliable drive is a recommended solution.

Pre-Migration Preparation ​

Before proceeding with the migration, please ensure:

1. Back up important data to prevent accidental loss during the process.
2. Close all AI applications running through LM Downloader.
3. Verify sufficient storage space is available on the target drive.

Detailed Migration Steps ​

Step 1: Plan and Determine the New Storage Path ​

Select an appropriate location as the new data directory:

1. Open "This PC" (Windows) or Finder (Mac) to view available disk partitions
2. Choose a non-system drive with sufficient space and good performance (e.g., D:, E:\ on Windows, or an external drive on Mac)
3. You may place it in the root directory or a dedicated directory on the new drive
4. Recommended path conventions:
   • Use English names (numbers are acceptable)
   • Avoid spaces and special characters
   • Keep the path reasonably short (not too many nested directories)
   • Windows example: D:\lmd_data_root or F:\Study\lmd_data_root
   • macOS example: If using an external drive (e.g., named "PortableSSD"):
     /Volumes/PortableSSD/workfiles/lmd_data_root
     (If your external drive name contains spaces, rename it to remove spaces for better compatibility.)

Step 2: Migrate the lmd_data_root Directory ​

1. Locate the current data root directory

   • Open LM Downloader and click the gear icon in the top-right corner to view the "Storage Root Directory" (only check for now—do not modify it yet).
   • Current default paths:
     • Windows: e.g., C:\Users\Lily\Documents\lmd_data_root
     • macOS: e.g., /Users/jane/Documents/lmd_data_root
       (If you previously modified the storage path, it may no longer be on the system drive.)

2. Copy the lmd_data_root directory to the new location

   • Select the directory and copy (not cut) it to the new directory. Copying is safer—if interrupted, your files remain intact.
   • Only delete the original directory after confirming the migration is successful.

3. Wait for the transfer to complete

   • Duration depends on file size and quantity.

Important Notes:

• If you encounter permission issues, try running as administrator (Windows) or using sudo (macOS).
• Large datasets may require significant time to migrate.
• Ensure the entire directory structure is preserved during transfer.

Step 3: Modify Settings ​

1. Update the storage root directory

   • After moving the files, go back to the global settings (accessed in Step 1).
   • Modify the "Storage Root Directory" to point to the new location.

2. Save and restart

   • Verify the new path is correct, then click "Save".
   • The app will restart automatically to apply the changes.

Step 4: Verify Migration Results ​

1. App restart

   • LM Downloader should restart automatically. If not, restart it manually.

2. Post-migration checks

   • In Global Settings, confirm the "Storage Root Directory" points to the new location.
   • Check if all previously installed apps appear in the "My AI" interface.
   • Test a few apps to ensure they function normally.

3. Cleanup (optional)

   • Once confirmed successful, you may delete the old lmd_data_root folder to free up space.

Troubleshooting Common Issues ​

1. Apps missing or failing to launch

   • Verify the new path is entered correctly.
   • Ensure all files were fully migrated.
   • Check if the app has permission to access the new directory.

2. Permission errors

   • Confirm your user account has read/write permissions for the new directory.

3. "Invalid path" errors

   • Avoid paths with Chinese characters, spaces, or special symbols.
   • Try using a shorter path (e.g., D:\lmd_data).

4. Insufficient disk space

   • Check remaining space on the target drive.
   • Free up space or select a larger partition.

Conclusion ​

You have now successfully moved your AI app data to a larger drive. This frees up system space and improves data security.

If you encounter issues, check the official docs or contact support. tech@daiyl.com