I followed the instructions on here to the letter:
https://support.plex.tv/articles/201539237-backing-up-plex-media-server-data/
All of this on a new PC. Fresh install.
But, after I re-install the Plex Media Server application, I get the following error:
“Plex Media Server unable to open it’s media database”
I have been troubleshooting for hours with no luck,
Help?
Did you stop Plex before making the backup?
That’s a good question. It may have been running while the backup copying took place.
If that is the resolution, once I Follow the steps to restore on a new HD with windows, will all my metadata, chosen posters, backgrounds and order, simply start to populate? Or will I have to change everything all over again?
Thanks!
Not necessarily. Provided that there were no other mistakes, you might be able to revert to an older backup of the main database file.
If Plex server was running while the backup was made, the copy of this main database file is unusable.
https://support.plex.tv/articles/202485658-restore-a-database-backed-up-via-scheduled-tasks/
Original attempt that did not work and I got the “Plex Media Server unable to open it’s media database”:
Tried to open Plex, then, “Plex Media Server unable to open it’s media database”
This message usually indicates that either
I’m assuming that you are aware that the “Plex data” we are talking about here are not the actual media files, right?
Another issue one must be aware of is this:
If you install Windows completely fresh, all user accounts you create afterwards get a new unique identity (even if you use the same user names as before).
This is normally no problem. However, if you copy old data from other Windows installations, you could get into trouble.
Because the old files and folders might still carry their old “owner” and access permissions which only fit the user IDs of the old Windows installation.
If you copy such data into a new installation, you may have to reset the owner and access permissions of each folder, subfolder, and each file therein.
Failing to do so could mean that some or all files are either inaccessible or “read-only” on the new Windows.
Does the registry backup contain a key to redirect the Plex data folder, named LocalAppDataPath?
If so, at which drive letter and folder does it point exactly? It must match the current storage location of the Plex data, above of the folder named Plex Media Server. More details about this can be found here: [HowTo] An extended guide on how to move the Plex data folder on Windows
Yes. The Plex data, not the actual media files.
Should I be selective on which folders to copy over to the fresh windows install?
Registry files as well?
My main goal is to have all the metadata from the original install to carry over to the new install. (Covers, Backgrounds, Sorting, etc.) I do not want to have to go through my entire library and manually re-assign all the selected covers and background I chose or how some of them are sorted.
Thanks!
No, take them all.
Yes, if you want to retain the “identity” of your server and want all shares to be retained as well.
If you copy the registry data, the old server must never be fired up again.
If I have a new HD, clean new install of Windows, then install the Plex Media Server, what would the next step be to ensure all of my metadata and information from my previous drive is an exact copy of the new drive at is the same when I open it on the web browser?
First, assign the drives with my media again?
Frist, Copy the original plex data folder onto the new HD?
First, go into the registry and fix the LocalAppDataPath?
I want to make sure I follow the correct steps in order.
The order is not important. Just don’t start Plex server on either source nor target machine while doing all that.
So, my saved Metadata should auto-populate once I perform the steps?
If your media are accessible under the exact same drive letters, folders, and file names, nothing has changed from the perspective of Plex server.
I did the very same thing just a few months ago and moved my server to new hardware.
Everything is exactly the same. Just wanting to do it on new hardware as well.
Can you tell me exactly how you did it?
Step by step? I have had no luck as of now.
This will save me a huge headache.
Here is one of the more recent threads: Moving Plex to new PC: Windows to Windows
If you use the forum search you will find many similar, but older ones as well.
I’m really not in the mood to type it all up, yet again.
I’ll take a look. The deeper I dig, the more variety it seems people are doing it and it’s confusing for someone who’s not 100% computer savvy. Sorry.
If there is a Plex icon in the task tray (and it does not vanish when you move your mouse pointer over it), perform Method 2.2 from here: You need to reclaim your server, but don't dare to touch the Windows Registry
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
