Server Version#:QNAP TS-251+ Version 1.13.5.5332
Player Version#:
Hello!
Been kicking around the forums trying to get info on how to move/copy all metadata info for my Plex server contained on my QNAP NAS TS-251+ running QNAP software Version 4.3.4.0675 to newer (much larger!) HDDs on the same QNAP device. I just want to backup all the tweaks I have made to my media info on my present QNAP setup without having to manually refeed all the info when the new setup does an auto scan of the media.
I am using Ubuntu to connect via SSH to my QNAP; library location is at /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/ .qpkg/PlexMediaServer. However, I do not know how to get to this file and actually back it up and then, after I have installed an all-new Plex on the new HDDs, to copy it and to get it to repopulate my media in just the way I like it.
Yes, I know I could just copy exact and entire contents of my old NAS drive to the newer larger NAS drive, but I have to fix some other things about the NAS and thus want to do a clean, fresh install.
Thanks in advance to all the Plex freaks out there, I just love this stuff!
as long as the file paths to media are the same it shouldn’t matter. Meaning whenever you move your TV shows over for example. put them in the same relative place on the new NAS. I would copy Plex server folder over first then install the server which will just use the existing Plex server folder
Yes, I think I understand, however, I will be not using “thin” volumes anymore on the new setup, so the Plex Server could well not be placed in CACHEDEV_1. I understand that Plex would not like to give advice for QNAP internals, but I really really need to find some way to download just the metadata file on my current Plex install and then just swap it with the metadata file on the new install? Most media server programs have a “backup” folder with all the metadata and viewing history info, I am thinking of ROON Labs here. I noticed that the Troubleshooting section of General Settings in Plex has an option to download the Plex database, could I use this?
Still, any solution is moot if I cannot get how to copy and paste files from the internal workings of the QNAP NAS itself.
If I understand you correctly, you also want to get all your customization migrated to a new drive?
If so, on your current QNAP, you need to disable PMS, and then make a backup of the entire /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/.qpkg/PlexMediaServer/Library to a safe place.
Hint: It contains a LOT of files, so strongly suggest, that you start with an rsync of /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/.qpkg/PlexMediaServer/Library/Plex Media Server/Media followed by an rsync of /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/.qpkg/PlexMediaServer/Library/Plex Media Server/Metadata
Then after those are done, you can disable PMS, and do an rsync of /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/.qpkg/PlexMediaServer/Library to get the missing parts in
After that, use the new drive, and install PMS, logon to it, but do NOT sign into plex.tv, but instead create a dummy maybe empty library on it.
Then disable PMS, and copy back /share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/.qpkg/PlexMediaServer/Library from your safe place.
Then all PMS with all settings/tweaks and shares should be in place
Just remember, before you backup your database, best to stop Plex and reboot the NAS (ensuring that Plex does not start when the NAS comes back on of course).
