How to address "ghost" server after server wipe?

[sonnyd64]

Server Version#: 1.40.4.8840
Player Version#: Various

Hi,

I lost my server installation without a backup a couple of days ago, and after rebuilding the library I’ve run into some issues with the old server listing.

I tried to rebuild my library using the same server name/libraries but it was created as a separate instance, so I assumed that re-using the old server is a non-starter. I’ve since renamed the library and added permissions to the new server in Manage Library Access, but as I’ve started updating my devices it seems like the “ghost” server still exists and I’m concerned it’s going to be confusing for folks connecting. The old server no longer even shows up in Manage Library Access, so I don’t seem to be able to take any action to remove anything for shared users.

Is there some way to force the removal of this server (or reclaim it?)

Thanks!

[ChristianKent]

So basically, each PMS install has an ID that identifies it. This ID resides in the root PMS userfiles directory (not the plex app directory). You’ll also see this ID in the preferences.xml file. When you do a fresh install and it can’t find any of those, it creates a brand new ID instead of adopting your old PMS install ID—even if you restore your old database.

Since you said you lost your old install without a backup, then it’s best to just move on. In the plex dashboard you can see a dropdown like so:

If you have your old PMS install still registered on your account, switch to that old install from the dropdown and “unclaim” it by clicking “remove”. It’s under General Settings.

[sonnyd64]

Thank you for the reply!

That adds up with everything I’ve seen so far, the only issue is that while I previously had the old install listed I used the “Remove Server” option beow the dropdown in your screenshot. Since then I don’t seem to have the old server available in my dropdown (though it’s still visible to other users I’ve shared it with).

Can Plex Support assist with removing that PMS ID?

[TheLivingBubba]

If it looks like the screenshot here, with the yellow triangle they just need to unpin it.

You should also go to https://app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/settings/devices/pms and remove the old server.

[sonnyd64]

Thanks! I think the “Remove Server” operation already cleared it from Authorized Devices, so I’m good there. Unpinning makes sense as a client resolution, I was more curious if there was something I could do to clear that from their apps w/o asking them to take any action.

Does this mean that the server (even unpinned) is just going to exist in perpetuity under “More” for those users?

[TheLivingBubba]

I haven’t had this experience but I’ve seen similar threads and once it’s unpinned it usually disappears was the impression I got.