Hi, I just tried installing the newer plex server for debian systems (plexmediaserver_1.16.3.1402-22929c8a2_amd64.deb) and it quite literally broke my desktop environment. I have no idea what’s causing the issue, but after the install, my desktop froze completely. To resolve the issue, I had to reboot and roll back to the previous version (plexmediaserver_1.16.0.1226-7eb2c8f6f_amd64.deb) I had installed by entering a tty. On the reboot, I could login but the screen would remain black. I had no problem entering the tty’s though. I’m running Ubuntu 18.04 with linux kernel 5.1.5.
Kinda scared for future releases since I also use this pc for professional use and installing software that sort of breaks the OS is not what I’m looking for. If i can help resolve this bug any further by adding info, please tell me what is needed!
No, Ubuntu 18.04 with the standard gnome environment. Perhaps not correct nomenclature, but the graphical desktop was ‘broken’: immediately after install my screens froze and on reboot I could login but screens were/remained black and only mouse pointer was showing. The tty’s did work fortunately and allowed me to roll back to previous version. Since tty’s did work, I suspect there was/is a problem with the new plex media server version and gnome?
When I install on any system, I only create the service.
Specifically, I do the following:
Create user plex and group plex
Create directory /var/lib/plexmediaserver which holds Plex’s runtime data (your metadata)
Install the binaries into */usr/lib/plexmediaserver
All of PMS’ runtime files are brought with it and stored in /usr/lib/plexmediaserver/lib.
As you’re aware, PMS is web browser based so I fail to understand how installing a updated version breaks the system.
My best recommendation at this point is to make 100% certain the system is fully up to date with updates from Canonical.
If an application is breaking an OS, the OS itself is faulty and the application simply exposed it.
I think you’re already on a hairy edge which now needs to be identified and corrected.
Alright thanks for the tips! I’ll try and see if updating my rig solves the issue for now and else I’ll do some other system health checks. As said, PMS runs on my workstation which I use for scientific computations. Frequently, those software packages aren’t as updated as quickly as their dependables which might cause conflicts if I install system updates they can’t work with which is why I’m usually very cautious when installing updates. (Sorry for this short description if it’s not totally clear.)
Thanks for the tip on how you’re installing PMS. I already wanted to ‘decouple’ PMS (and my general storage) from the actual workstation but funds are rather low atm. It would still be a good idea imo since the calculation software has its ‘issues’.
Thanks again for your fast replies and tips!!
Charles-Alexandre Mattelaer
EDIT: updating my system seemed to fix my issue. Updated and working flawlessly now. Sorry for all the hassle! I’ll remember to keep my OS updated before installing PMS updates.
