# 'cannot create symbolic link' error when backing up the Plex Media Server folder **URL:** \ **Category:** Plex Media Server\ **Tags:** server-linux\ **Created:** [November 25, 2022, 9:41pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/cannot-create-symbolic-link-error-when-backing-up-the-plex-media-server-folder/820017 "2022-11-25T21:41:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 5
**Author:** ![ChuckPa](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/chuckpa/32/79710_2.png) [@ChuckPa](https://forums.plex.tv/u/ChuckPa)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2022, 10:13pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/cannot-create-symbolic-link-error-when-backing-up-the-plex-media-server-folder/820017/5 "2022-11-25T22:13:15Z")
If I may suggest ? 1. Stop PMS (obviously) 2. As root – > [@Linux Tips](https://forums.plex.tv/t/linux-tips/276247/7): > > Backup, Restore, or Clone your PMS installation 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. Making the Backup (General Steps) Stop PMS Invoke the root shell Create the backup image Copy the image to the new system, perform your OS reinstallation, or whatever task you need Restoring a backup image (General Steps) (Re)install PMS itself if on a ne… This tip shows you how to create then use the tar ball later for restore or cloning to new hardware --- _[View the full topic](https://forums.plex.tv/t/cannot-create-symbolic-link-error-when-backing-up-the-plex-media-server-folder/820017)._