New Libraries showing has empty

[jgauthier72]

Server Version#: 1.40.2.2395-7000

Hi,
I have a problem creating new libraries. On my Synology, I have created a new Shared Folder. I ensured that the Plex user has access to this share. Then I have configured the library in Plex and add the folder /Volume1/[my shared folder].

But Plex keep showing it as empty. I have tried to scan library files and nothing works. I have tons of files in this folder. Is there anything additional security I must add to these files?

thanks

[tom80H]

What version of DSM are you running on the NAS and to what „Plex“ user did you grant access to the share?

Synology FAQ - Questions, Answers, and How-To's

FAQ 19: Setting permissions to allow Plex access to media files Before beginning, it’s important to remember one key point; Plex doesn’t have any special privileges on Synology except for being able to access the Video Transcoding acceleration hardware. It cannot read any of your files unless you expressly grant permission. This is a fundamental principle of Linux (which Synology uses for DSM) Because of how Synology grants permission, access to files is broken into two different …

[jgauthier72]

Dsm 7.1.1.
I have tested plex user with read-only, then read-write. Same result

[tom80H]

Make sure you’re granting access to PlexMediaServer.

[jgauthier72]

I have set R/W on it. Still no result. Here is what i see in the log:

Performing a scan with ‘Plex Photo Scanner’ (language: xn virtual: 0).
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.788 [139635070430008] DEBUG - * Scanning /volume1/Pictures
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.788 [139635070430008] ERROR - Failed to create iterator to “/volume1/Pictures”: Permission denied
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.788 [139635070430008] DEBUG - * Marking media not available in /volume1/Pictures
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.798 [139635070430008] DEBUG - * Taking 0 items out of the map (which has 0 items) for being unavailable.
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.808 [139635070430008] DEBUG - * Taking 0 directories out of the map (which has 0 dirs) for being unavailable.
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.809 [139635070430008] DEBUG - Activity: updated activity a26ea214-a11e-4c9e-8858-977cae43fba2 - completed 99.0% - Scanning Photos
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.809 [139635070430008] DEBUG - Removing 0 media items that were left.
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.809 [139635070430008] DEBUG - Removing 0 directories that were left.
Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.810 [139635070430008] DEBUG - Activity: updated activity a26ea214-a11e-4c9e-8858-977cae43fba2 - completed 100.0% - Scanning Photos

I also did another test with a new share, everyone is read-write on it. I added one file in it. Then created a Test library pointing to this shared folder. Same problem.
I am puzzled!

[ChuckPa]

Can you please download the Server logs ZIP file (settings - server - troubleshooting - download logs)

Attach that zip file here.

Be advised, Your pasted log excerpt shows where the problem is:

Apr 29, 2024 18:18:15.788 [139635070430008] ERROR - Failed to create iterator to “/volume1/Pictures”: Permission denied

Please also screenshot the permissions you assigned to /Pictures shared folder.

[jgauthier72]

@ChuckPa I think I have found the problem.

When you indicated " Make sure you’re granting access to PlexMediaServer", I thought it meant to give access plex account to the PlexMediaServer Shared Folder, which I did but didn’t work.

While investigating more carefully this morning, I found there is “system internal user” created by Plex Media Server package named “PlexMediaServer”. This account doesn’t show up in the “User & Group” app. However, in the Permissions of a Shared Folder, there is an option to filter “System internal user” and there we see this PlexMediaServer system account. I gave it R/W and now my library scan works!

I am not clear though even after i went to some of the FAQ. Do we still need the “plex” user when we have upgraded to DSM 7? I still have it… Same question for the plex Shared Folder? (based on timestamps of the files in it, it feels it has not been used since I have upgraded to DSM 7 a few years ago. My Plex shared folder is not empty.

Can the plex user and plex Shared Folder be deleted when we are on DSM 7? I’d prefer to keep things lean and remove everything that is no longer needed, which confused me when I configured things as I had been used to manage PMS for years on DSM 6.

I have found this from one of your posts: What’s changed in DSM 7
– Plex shared folder and structure → PlexMediaServer shared folder and structure
– “Plex” username no longer used → “PlexMediaServer” (system internal user) used

So, it seems I can remove the plex account and delete the plex shared folder right?

thanks @ChuckPa !

[ChuckPa]

On DSM 7, the plex username is abandoned. Synology forced the change.
You may delete user plex.

The new username, which has a new shared folder, is PlexMediaServer.
DSM 7 introduced a ‘System Internal User’ class for apps. We were forced to abide by the new rules.

Look in the Syno FAQ.
There is a DSM 7-specific section

Synology FAQ - Questions, Answers, and How-To's

FAQ 29 - DSM 7 - Give PlexMediaServer access to your media When you migrate to DSM 7, are installing a server for the first time, or just adding a new shared folder / sub-folder for media , folks forget to read the popup at the end of every installation which tells them about how to set permissions. This FAQ shows in detail how to do what those instructions state. When might you need to perform these steps? When upgrading, changing permissions from Plex to PlexMediaServer is overlook…

Did you “click right through” the “Installation Successful” message?

[jgauthier72]

Possibly indeed i did the upgrade without reading all disclaimers That was a while ago…

[ChuckPa]

I know we’re all very busy …

That’s why I print it at the end of EVERY installation.

LOL

Glad you got it resolved