Server Version#: Current (64-bit)
Ok, I have tried to move the PMS folder using all of the following instructions -
For those that have an excessively large “C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server” or related folder.
This is how my Plex Media Server folder went from 60GB to 4.3GB without loosing any metadata (media images, movie position or read status) and I am posting this as I found it difficult to find the answers myself on both the Plex forums and here. I am now able to back up my metadata with ease.
For a description of the cause see my first reference at the bottom.
BACKUP C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server - I turned on Windows Shadow Copies so I didn’t have to move and store the data elsewhere
2. Turn off Media Index Files - Server Settings > Server > Library > Advanced Toggle > Turn OFF | Generate media index files during scans & Server Settings > Server > Scheduled Tasks > Turn OFF | Generate missing media index files during maintenance
3. Turn off Pex service. Keep your box running but turn off Plex.
4. Open a command prompt and run 2 commands: > CD C:\Users\sysadmin\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\Media\localhost > del /s *.bif
Caution folder locations will not be correct for every windows install - research yours.
The last command will delete all Media Index Files from your Plex appdata folder.
Some persons report that you need to clear the references to the files from the Plex database first - So far it works fine without doing so.
References:
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/202529153-Why-is-my-Plex-Media-Server-directory-so-large-
https://forums.plex.tv/index.php/topic/109195-how-do-i-delete-the-media-index-files/
https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/202197528
https://www.plexopedia.com/plex-media-server/windows/move-plex-data-directory-windows/
When I restart Plex, it does not see ANY of the media in my Libraries - the Libraries are still shown, but they all have the yellow triangle beside them. I have tried both a custom directory and a “simple” directory (ex: H:\PLEX). I tried the registry option first, then removed the entry and used a Junction, via CLI.
Deleting the bif files only saved 20gb.
