How to create a Plex Server/library on a new PC

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Server Version#:
Player Version#:

OK so I’m smashing my head against the table here trying to figure out how to make this F*****g thing work.

I’m a pass member, just built a new PC, and I’m trying to get Plex up and running as a server again. I did copy the app data folder from the last PC beforehand with the initial intention of seamlessly moving my whole library over to the new one.

As I’m sure you’re expecting, that didn’t work out.

I’ve installed the media server (several times) and copied the whole metadata folder into %localappdata% as I read online but I’m having absolutely no luck with it. Plex isn’t showing in my system tray (although it is showing under task manager so it must be running somewhere) and If I open the webapp, it gives me no option whatsoever to create a new server and just start again with my locally saved media. All it gives me is the “Your home screen is currently empty” message with no way that I can tell to do anything about it.

Can anybody help? I’m not great with this stuff and its just so frustrating when I can’t even find a way to start over. I’ve practically given up on restoring my old library as is so I’m resigned to having to go through and sort out the metadata all over again but I can’t even do that.

2

Did you install Plex before copying the media data over?

3

yes, on a few attempts but no joy

4

So you install the PMS software…
Open the web browser using the IPaddress:32400
Does it show it running? And you should have your taskbar icon…

5

no taskbar icon, but I’ll be entirely honest with you i’m not sure how to open using the IP address

6

How do you normally access it…

7

On the last PC I would double click the icon on the hidden icons tray, I’ve been getting to it via https://app.plex.tv/desktop on this one

8

When you go to it that way can you get to settings?
what version of windows are you moving from and to…?

9

I can but the only ones that show are basic, account/ web client sort of thing. Windows 10 to windows 10

10

as it stands I don’t actually have a server running, I’ve installed the server software but i cant add anything to is or set it up at all

11

can you fond the IP address of that new pc…
and is it connected wired or WIFI…

12

yeah I’ll have a look. public or? wired through home plugs

13

local lan IP… then open a new browser tab and enter the IPaddress:32400
don’t forget the colon between the ip and port number
…

14

just getting this site can’t be reached. I’ve input my ipv4 and then :32400

15

That browser is on the same machine?

16

it is yes

17

looking online found someone else having a similar issue

18

Then Plex must not be running…or That port is blocked by the windows firewall that should have been opened during the installation of PMS…

19

OK, sounds promising, how do I go about opening the port? I opened it on my router for the last pc so it should be OK there right?

20

Try turning off the firewall and see if that fixes it, and then go from there…