Files not matching whats actually there

[kilimanj99]

Server Version#: 4.30.2
Player Version#: XBOX1, Android, and Web

Hello,

I’ve been having a really weird issue. I sort my videos by folder, ie below. When I browse to the folder to play a video, it doesn’t matter the platform or player, I might see twds01e01 under the \videos\got\s1\ folder, if I play it, it plays the twds01e01 episode. Why is that showing up under the got folder. When I browse the file system it is not there it is where it is supposed to be. It also will not show the got episodes there. The got episodes will not be anywhere.

Notes:

1. All of my video libraries are just “Other Videos” I don’t care about the naming or matching it to whatever movie or show it is. I just want the correct files to display in the folders they are in.
2. Been using Plex for a really long time now and I think this just recently started about 6 months ago.
3. Installed on Windows Server 2016 and using plex media server service and Tautulli
4. Players on web interface on a PC, XBOX1, PS4, Firestick, Android phone and tablet all show the same results.

I’ve tried several things

1. Scan Library Files again, analyze, empty trash, refresh all metadata all do nothing
2. Match will sometimes fix it but not always
3. I created a second library pointing to the same folder and sometimes it shows correctly in 1 and wrong in the other, so having both at least gives me a second chance.
4. I’ve deleted the entire library and recreated it, it stay good for a little bit then begins to get worse over time.

Questions

1. Is there a maximum db size that maybe im running in to?
2. Could my db be corrupted and can I just delete it all and restart without having to reinstall and reconfigure plex?
3. Slightly a side note but is it possible to move the db to a different path?

\videos\got\s1\gots01e01
\videos\got\s1\gots01e02
\videos\got\s1\gots01e03
.
.
.
\videos\walkingdead\s1\twds01e01
\videos\walkingdead\s1\twds01e02
\videos\walkingdead\s1\twds01e03

[kilimanj99]

So here are two examples of what I’m seeing, maybe it will help explain it better

This first one is the typical mismatch which I get daily with different things. It’s very difficult to correct.

If you look at the left window it shows the 1-Movies and TV library and the second thumbnail reads Bosch as the title. If you play it, it plays Bosch, but there is no Bosch in that folder, that is in a completely different folder. When you look at the top right image library 1b-New Movies, which points to the same folder, the same thumbnail shows Beastie Boys. If you play it it Plays Beastie Boys, which is correct. If you look at the folder in the bottom right you can see Beastie Boys is the file and there is no Bosch.

This second example is a little different. This one happened for the first time a few days ago with something else, here it is again.

Looking at the 1-Movies and TV library it shows all 8 episodes. Looking at the 1a-New TV, it shows episodes 1,2,6-8 and 2 labeled episode 5. Looking in the folder below you can see all episodes are there and just 1 of each. You can notice the 3 squares to the right of the first item. When I right click and choose split it separates them but now it shows 3 named episode 5, 2 with the exact same name.

This is not specific to any one library, it happens to all of them in each direction.
Collection settings are: Show Collections and their items, Plex Video Files Scanner, Personal Media.

[JuiceWSA]

Naming and Organizing Your TV Show Files | Plex Support

https://www.filebot.net/

[SE56]

Juice, how many times do we have say Naming and structure? There the most important component of matching in Plex. The forum is a abundant in discussions relating to matching.

[JuiceWSA]

Well… a lot.

I needed that support page when I was dumped out on sidewalk, wet and afraid…
it’s not mandatory reading - but it should be, I guess…lol

[SE56]

Maybe this needs to be front and center on the Download page and on screen before adding Libraries.

Quick-Start & Step by Step Guides for Plex Media Server | Plex Support

[JuiceWSA]

It still would be ‘unread’…
…just like that ‘Terms of Service’ nobody ever read, but blindly agrees to.

I’m reminded of a Monty Python skit wherein the guys show up to take the liver from a housewife - since she gave her consent…lol

[SE56]

[Volts]

It’s Plex’s fault. It does a magically-good job so often, people believe in magic.

[kilimanj99]

That doesn’t really explain why one library would work and one would not work both pointing to the same files and folders. I also don’t care if the agent matches what the show or movie is I just want the plex interface to show me the files that are in the folder im browsing, not files in a completely different folder.

Renaming the file does not help the issue. I’ve even copied it and renamed it and it shows them both the same.

Yes I read plenty of the articles and none help or seem to be this issue. If you believe an article is this issue please link it, I’ll give it a try and let you know if it works.

[JuiceWSA]

If you want TV Shows to work - follow the instructions for naming and structuring.

Plex depends on those names and structures.

Disregard the instructions at your own peril.

Using MP4/M4V files?

Video File Naming

With LMA in priority, Embedded Titles within MP4/M4V files are preferred - even over a perfect file name. Local Media Assets should - AT ALL TIMES - remain enabled (unless specifically instructed to turn it off). Local Media Assets should be ‘Demoted’, to the bottom of the stack of active agents under ALL tabs in Shows and Movies, but should NOT be disabled. Local Media Assets is needed for many things - it doesn’t need to be given Tip-Top-Priority (as Plex has so hatefully placed it as it’s …

Need to re-boot a bundle when Plex refuses to update metadata?

The Plex Dance ™

The purpose of this is to remove all cached metadata and xml data for an item that Plex usually keeps. This helps when you want to “start from scratch” for particular item move all files for the media item out of the directory your Library is looking at, so Plex will not “see” it anymore scan the library library (to detect changes) empty trash clean bundles (in menu next to server name, when accessed under ‘More’) double check naming schema and move files back scan the library Support articl…

Veterans learn early on Plex isn’t happy if your TV Shows are a mess.
Your TV Shows are a mess.

[kilimanj99]

I will try The Plex Dance article in the morning. Thank you.

[SE56]

@Volts

It’s Plex’s fault. It does a magically-good job so often, people believe in magic.

What’s even more important is to follow instructions. I don’t believe in magic, it’s only a illusion

[kilimanj99]

Ok so I performed the steps in The Plex Dance and for now that has done the trick. I have also renamed the files prior to performing these steps.

I have recreated the libraries in the past and it was all good for a time but slowly slips but I never did it this way or cleared out everything like it directed. I wasn’t sure how to do that but this article was very good.

Thanks JuiceWSA!

I’ll reply if the issue returns (while having more acceptable file names).