# Changing Library Drive Letter Without Losing Data **URL:** \ **Category:** Plex Media Server\ **Tags:** server-windows\ **Created:** [February 21, 2022, 1:17pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/changing-library-drive-letter-without-losing-data/777554 "2022-02-21T13:17:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rosscarlson](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/rosscarlson/32/138255_2.png) [@rosscarlson](https://forums.plex.tv/u/rosscarlson)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:17pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/changing-library-drive-letter-without-losing-data/777554/1 "2022-02-21T13:17:38Z")
Server Version#: 1.25.3.5409 I may soon need to move my library to a new Windows drive letter - the folder structure will be the exact same but the base drive letter will change. I have MANY years customization in my libraries so I don’t want to lose that, as I understand the best way to do this is: - Disable trash cleanup - Edit each library to _add_ the new drive letter/path - Leave the existing/old paths - Scan the library and ensure it’s verified everything (nothing new should add as it’ll know it’s the same stuff due to the dual paths) - Hours, days, weeks later remove the old paths, update libraries - All good Do I have that right? I have 45TB of media here so I don’t want to screw this up! ---
**Author:** ![OttoKerner](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/ottokerner/32/10079_2.png) [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:34pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/changing-library-drive-letter-without-losing-data/777554/2 "2022-02-21T13:34:43Z")
If you don’t want to take the slightest chance, do it this way: [[HowTo] Plex database modification - Moving media the right/wrong way - #10 by jelwell](https://forums.plex.tv/t/howto-plex-database-modification-moving-media-the-right-wrong-way/126701/10) ---
**Author:** ![pshanew](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/pshanew/32/160555_2.png) [@pshanew](https://forums.plex.tv/u/pshanew)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 1:35pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/changing-library-drive-letter-without-losing-data/777554/3 "2022-02-21T13:35:35Z")
That’s generally correct. Though I’d recommend adding at least two steps: - Make a backup of your Plex database before beginning (perhaps your entire Plex data directory). - As part of your verification process, use the “Duplicates” filter (for at least your movies and TV _episodes_) to ensure nothing was mis-detected as duplicates. Also be aware that some manual merging/splitting may still be required even if you follow the steps above perfectly, particularly if you find that you normally have to perform a lot of manual matching when adding content to your library. Finally, there’s another method which is often recommended, if you’re comfortable with SQL: > [@\[HowTo\] Plex database modification - Moving media the right/wrong way](https://forums.plex.tv/t/howto-plex-database-modification-moving-media-the-right-wrong-way/126701/10): > > Ok, wow! That was surprisingly easy. Everything seems to be working GREAT! So just so it’s clear. Following my instructions will likely mess up your Library. But it worked wonders for me. AND it is SO easy. Easier than following the nuanced instructions in that article I linked above. Shutdown plex server Backup your data [Backing Up Plex Media Server Data | Plex Support](https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/201539237) Copy your content to the new location Drop the triggers that prevent editing your database. Edit your database. Find the lo… ---
**Author:** ![rosscarlson](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/rosscarlson/32/138255_2.png) [@rosscarlson](https://forums.plex.tv/u/rosscarlson)\ **Post date:** [February 21, 2022, 3:02pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/changing-library-drive-letter-without-losing-data/777554/4 "2022-02-21T15:02:47Z")
> If you don’t want to take the slightest chance, do it this way: [[HowTo] Plex database modification - Moving media the right/wrong way - #10 by jelwell ](https://forums.plex.tv/t/howto-plex-database-modification-moving-media-the-right-wrong-way/126701/10) Sorry I didn’t find that myself, as I’m comfortable with SQL I’ll absolutely go that route. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/2/a/2acb9765406f63293d357b4ec509ec39aa28f2ad.png) [@system](https://forums.plex.tv/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2022, 3:02pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/changing-library-drive-letter-without-losing-data/777554/5 "2022-05-22T15:02:49Z")
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