I only use plex to view my movies on my network. I recently deleted a bunch of files off my mac. But they still show in plex but obviously don’t play because the file has been deleted.
Is there an automated way to clean these up? When i goto my shield to view all the deleted files still show up.
Thanks
If they show with a trash can then you can just empty the trash…
Look at Plex server settings → Library.
There are options to automatically scan your library and to empty the trash after a scan.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/200289326-emptying-library-trash/
That comes with a rather large Caveat - in that if left on and the NAS is asleep during maintenance there will be no libraries until Plex rebuilds them after it can ‘see’ all the material again. Yep - it wiped 'em out of the database and emptied the trash while you were sleeping - along with your NAS.
This is generally considered a PITA and something to be avoided.
I would allow it to clean up - once - then turn it off.
If there are only a few and clicking the can removes them - do that.
Thank u everyone. I will take those suggestions and try. What about the option to start plex again from the beginning? like clear everything off and start fresh? I don’t think i ever had it setup properly from the beginning and its not like I have too much files.
Thanks again
Sure - why not?
A fresh start without any drama is always good.
i have lots of time at home anyways to fiddle around.
whats the best way to clear everything and start NEW again? but keep my account of course.
Delete the Libraries from Plexweb - Hover over library, expose ‘the dots’ and click 'em, manage library and delete.
Clean out/fix names/check structures/clean house.
Then do the last part of the Dance, particularly:
Full scan
Empty Trash
Clean Bundles
Then create some new libraries with the old paths if you want - since they’re all clean.
Thank you!
I have also had to turn off the auto cleaning function for similar reasons - NAS and or local virtual drives are missing or not opened/created after a Windows Update or sometimes a RAID isn’t recognised.
Plex starts and almost immediately deletes entire collections containing many thousands of movies, television series, etcetera.
This is terribly frustrating, agonizing and maddening!!
All the fussing I did too tweak posters, descriptions, fix miss-matches, custom artwork all gone.
Plex needs to be ‘smart enough’ notice an entire collection, drive or folder is missing and STOP itself from removing them from the database.
Even a ‘simple?’ option to have Plex prompt the admin if ### items are missing/deleted…
That’s just the start; it then takes weeks for Plex to recreate thumbnails for all the videos on the collections!!! 
John
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