Backup Plex Metadata (Covers, names, Playlists, etc.)

[jan_henrik_zabel_web_de]

Server Version#: 1.19.3.2764
Player Version#: 4.30.2

Hello Guys,

I’m using my Ubuntu Laptop for quiet some time now and it always worked fine for me.
Just because i thought haveing a backup might be a good idea i searched for a solution on how to backup my Metadata so if i might switch to another OS in the future i’m save to go.
Here comes my issue.

I’m running Ubuntu 20.04 (updated from 19.10 originally).
I looked up multiple FAQ Pages and a YouTube Video that was sponsored by Plex.
Everytime i try to backup the relevant folders in “var/snap/plexmediaserver/common/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server” i get an error message.

The main problem is that every time i try to copy and paste the folders i receive an error message stating that i don’t have the needed rights to copy the files.
exact error message:
"Error opening file ‘var/snap/plexmediaserver/common/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server’: Permission denied

I tried changing the needed rights for the folder with the command
“sudo chmod -v 777 Plex Media Server”
which worked (i got the message that the permissions were successfully changed).
When i try to copy the folders again i receive the same error message even though i should have the full permission, right?
I also tried to send the “Plex Media Server” folder to my USB stick via the GUI context menu as a .tar which didn’t work either.

I’m pretty new to Linux / Ubuntu so i’m not very comfortable with the command line.

Here are the links of the FAQ / Video i followed:

Backing Up Plex Media Server Data | Plex Support

As described in the video i stopped the service for plexmediaserver before attempting to copy any files.

If someone knows how to fix the issue i’m glad to get a response.

PS: I’m not a native speaker / writer so if anything is unclear or my wording / grammar is wrong please ask and i will try to describe it as good as possible.

[ChuckPa]

You need this How-To

Back up/ Restore /clone your PMS metadata

Backing up your PMS data involves the same steps you’ll need if you were to clone your PMS and take to a new computer, reinstall the operating system, or just want a backup for safe keeping. Stop PMS Invoke the root shell Create the backup image [chuck@lizum ~.74]$ sudo sh sh-4.4# cd /var/lib/plexmediaserver sh-4.4# tar cfz /nas/tmp/PlexBackup.tar.gz ./Library sh-4.4# ls -la /nas/tmp/PlexBackup.tar.gz -rw-r--r--. 1 root root 864050144 Oct 29 15:29 /nas/tmp/PlexBackup.tar.gz sh-4.4# Copy …

The first piece of code uses tar cf to create the backup.
This is what you need on Linux.

Ask here if you need assistance.

Ignore the official documentation.
It is still flawed. I am working to correct it.

[jan_henrik_zabel_web_de]

Thanks for your reply,

Sorry for the long time to answer you.

I tried to follow your guide but when i try to
“cd /var/lib/plexmediaserver” i get an error message.
“bash: cd: /var/lib/plexmediaserver: Datei oder Verzeichnis nicht gefunden” which means that the file or destination can’t be found.

If i try to find the folder through the GUI File explorer i won’t find it either.

I would strongly appreciate your help. As i said i’m on Ubuntu Budgie 20.04.

[ChuckPa]

Jan,

Instead of going to /var/lib/plexmediaserver
You will need /var/snap/plexmediaserver/common

The Ubuntu App Store package places everything in a non-standard location.

I apologize for missing this earlier.

[jan_henrik_zabel_web_de]

Hey Chuck,

I was finally able to make a backup of my PMS!
Thank you so much!