DSM 7 - Finalized Configuration (PMS 1.24.2.4973) - Release information

[ChuckPa]

DSM 7 - Finalized Configuration (Packaging 2.0) - Release Information

See below for updates

Since DSM 7.0-41890 finalized, I’ve had time to digest everyone’s input as well as review what we ultimately ended up with in DSM 7.0

Looking at all the issues faced, there was one overriding problem which could not be solved – Plex’s data was not accessible from the GUI or other Synology tools such as Hyper Backup.

An important issue for most was the data area could not be moved.

It took some time but I figured out how to reliably get us as close to the DSM 6 style shared folder structure as DSM 7 will allow.

With the changes here, I’ve managed to give us the freedom to place the PlexMediaServer shared folder on any of the numeric (internal) volumes (e.g. volume1 - volume99). DSM 7 won’t permit the shared folder on other volumes.

Structure changes:

1. Created shared folder PlexMediaServer
2. Created a different directory structure which should avoid confusion moving forward.

• AppData - All PMS application data is here.
• AppData/tmp - Used for codecs and as default TMP directory.
• AppData/Plex Media Server - The main “Plex Media Server” data storage.

3. PlexMediaServer is only visible to administrators and system internal user PlexMediaServer. (DSM 7 overrides ACLs set when PMS starts)

Migration & Relocation

1. New installations of PMS will use the new storage structure.

2. All existing DSM 6 → DSM 7 migration procedure steps remain unchanged

3. Migration is now able to find and migrate edge cases plex or Plex.

• The first-found directory with PMS data in it will be selected.
• There is no way to arbitrate in the automation.

3. Relocation of an existing DSM 7 installation is automatic when updating.

4. Installation is restricted to internal Volumes (1-99)

Limitations:

The following limitations still exist and unfortunately cannot be changed.

1. System Internal User PlexMediaServer cannot be accessed in File Station. It can only be accessed in the Control Panel - Shared Folders for the sake of setting shared permissions (which DSM does automatically)

2. If file permissions or ownership are altered then a User-Script scheduled task or manual intervention on the command line will correct the problem.

3. DSM 7 is restrictive and fragile. Please be 100% certain of what you are doing if you access the PlexMediaServer/AppData folder. You are urged to only make alterations as provided by the installer GUI or under the directions of a Plex Ninja or staff member .

4. It is recommended to increase the default logout time period from the default of 60 minutes to something longer… up to 65535 .. so you are guaranteed to get the popup at the end of initial migration.

WARNINGS:

DO NOT PLACE MEDIA ANYWHERE INSIDE THE PlexMediaServer SHARED FOLDER

• Just as with DSM 6, put media in the wrong place and bad things happen.
• Media can be placed anywhere else on the NAS except here.
• NOTHING is gained by putting media in this shared folder.

Why not put media in the PlexMediaServer shared folder?

1. Should you make a mistake and have PMS index AppData, your server will lock up and you’ll be forced to erase and start over

2. Backing up your PMS installation with HyperBackup will be much more complex and, when restoring, you could end up losing media. (worst case)

3. We make these recommendations because:
   a. I know how it was designed and written.
   b. We’ve seen the horror stories when it goes sideways and data is lost.
   c. We’ve spent countless hours trying to help folks undo damage only to be forced into a full “erase & reload” scenario.

4. Please don’t listen to the “Internet Experts”. Help is freely given and tailored to how you’d like to use your NAS in your environment.

Technical Implementation details:

1. Shared Folder: PlexMediaServer

2. Contents: AppData (application data) directory which contains:
   a. tmp - temp directory for codecs (required). Default transcoder temp
   b. Plex Media Server - core PMS data storage

   /volume*
     PlexMediaServer/
       AppData/
         tmp/
         Plex Media Server/

4. PlexMediaServer continues to be a non-privileged application running in a constrained environment on DSM 7.

We have a General Discussion thread here for loosely related chat. Please do create a new thread somewhere for all other (non-preview related) technical issues.:

https://forums.plex.tv/t/dsm-7-packaging-2-0-forum-preview-discussion/732912

Warning

PMS 1.24.2.4973 – Packaging 2.0 now available.

1. Package Center – Do not use the Synology 3744 beta build. It’s too old.
2. Plex.tv/downloads – Min usable version 1.24.2.4973

FINAL CAUTION

Do not revert to any version below 1.24.2.4973 once you’ve made the transition. There is no backward compatibility with the older packaging (sorry).

Update: 22-Sep-2021

The Installation and Update GUI will be changing slightly in an upcoming release.

The log file redirection feature is being removed.

This isn’t needed anymore since the entire shared folder is now visible.

Also the confirmation pages are being removed as they are superfluous

Please don’t be surprised at the minor change. It will streamline package management.