Backing Up / Moving User Stats Only

General Discussions
1

Hi all,

So I’m currently thinking about moving my whole Plex library to another Linux Box. I’m currently rocking Ubuntu 15.10, had no issues what so ever (18Months) until recent (within last month) with mobile sync crashing the Plex server (i have stopped all mobile sync and no crash for 4 days now). I have now found the location of the crash logs when it crashes but I always bring the plex box back to life, by standard stop service and start service. Which I guess deletes the crash logs

Anyway, I was hoping someone had a quick guide to moving/backing up/restore user data. I don’t care about media files, artwork, Meta data for movies or tv shows as the server is pretty quick and I don’t mind the re scan.

I just need my watched stats, along with friends. I was kind of hoping it was straight forward to carry these stats

I was hoping to rock Ubuntu 17, to make sure the box is fully up to date.

P.S Unless mobile sync is creating issues for other people, I don’t mind waiting for another PMS version,

Current Version 1.8.1.4139

2

If you’re going to move from one Linux box to another, there is an extremely simple method.

This presumes you’re using default configuration. Let me know where your Plex Library (metadata) is if you’ve moved it.

A. Stop PMS
B. Open a shell window

sudo sh
cd /var/lib/plexmediaserver
tar cfz /pathname-to-save-library.tar ./Library

C. When that finishes, copy it to the new machine
D. Install and Start PMS momentarily on the new machine
E. Stop PMS
F. Open a shell window

sudo sh
cd /var/lib/plexmediaserver
rm -rf Library
tar xf /path-to-saved-library.tar
chown -R plex:plex ./Library

G. Start PMS

The new machine is now a full clone of the old.

If you wish to use the old, you will need to change its identity and Machine ID. Easiest way there is to delete Preferences.xml and run the setup wizard again without creating any new library sections. All the existing Library sections will be there waiting when you reach the dashboard.

3

You total legend,

Thanks a million, … I will give my old box a reboot Sunday when I get a moment to see if a good reboot after running the box 450days fixes my mobile sync issue, if not I will start making my new box with a newer OS.

Can I run the first part of commands to make a backup now, Which I can backup somewhere then kick off pms again

4

ABSOLUTELY!