Windows 10 update crashed my laptop. I finally got everything back and working again except for Plex Media Server. Nothing I tried would get it to work, so I followed the uninstall directions posted at the top of the forum and uninstalled Media Server. I then downloaded the latest installation file to reinstall it. Unfortunately, the installation hangs up and fails on every attempt. I get an error box looking for the installation package ‘pms-shutdown.msi’. I’ve searched my laptop, but that file does not seem to exist anywhere! I tried a “clean boot” of my laptop for installation, but I still get the same error box. Sometimes I also get a message saying that the old version of stopping plex could not be removed. The only solution I see posted for this problem is several years old, using an old Microsoft uninstall download that no longer exists. Please help.
Edit: Definitely try fix in OttoKerner’s post first.
Did the uninstall directions you followed include removing the registry key and %LOCALAPPDATA%\Plex Media Server directory? See support document linked below.
%LOCALAPPDATA% (c:\users\user_name\AppData\Local) is hidden by default. You may need to check the box for Hidden Items on the View tab in Windows File Explorer to make it visible.
Also, make sure the installation directory (ex: c:\program files (x86)\Plex\Plex Media Server) is deleted after you uninstall via the Windows control panel.
This should completely remove PMS from your PC & install a new version. Your media will not be touched. You will lose play history, any sharing with others, library definitions, etc.
Uninstall via Windows control panel
Delete registry key
Delete %LOCALAPPDATA%\Plex Media Server directory
Delete installation directory if it still exists
Reboot PC
Re-download installer from plex.tv/download (just in case the previous download is somehow corrupt).
Yes, I deleted the registry key and the directory as per the directions, but still had the same problem, so I tried Otto’s fix. I saved a copy of my registry and then went into the registry and deleted the keys that contained reference to pms-shutdown.msi and/or pms.msi. After that I rebooted the laptop and the installation went fine and my media server is back up and running. Thanks.
