Optimizer not able to write to CIFS share

Plex Media Server
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1

Server Version#: plexmediaserver_1.18.9.2571
Ubuntu 18.04 (both)

Ubuntu Linux server using Ubuntu Samba server connecting via CIFS. I’ve set the recursive permissions to 777. There does not seem to be an issue with file access, the scan is complete and everything works without warnings.

However, when trying to create an optimized version, I get ‘Converted files cannot be written to the server’s disk’. I don’t know a way the directory could be more open.

Questions:

  • Does the Plexserver need to be restarted to see new file permissions? (!!)
  • Is there a specific account Plexserver is trying to use?

There are many threads about this on web, but so far, no help.
Thanks.

2

you must give user plex write permission on the remote share server. This is first requirement.

Linux permissions and CIFS don’t work well together unless you get the username mapping correct across the mount.

3

Thanks for the reply.

So if plex is expecting a ‘plex’ account on the remote system, what should I use for password?

I’m surprised opening permissions on the files isn’t sufficient.

Thanks.

4

You’re using CIFS. CIFS is the controlling factor here, not permissions.

In the /etc/fstab mount line , you specify user/pass (or a credentials file) to use to satisfy the requirements of the CIFS server.

Did you read the How-To I linked ?

5

Yes, absolute I’m using credentials when connection to the CIFS share. And as I initially said, I’ve given the user full rights - even to a crazy 777 level as a test. There is nothing I can do on the share/directory/file permissions to open it more.

This is why I’m asking of plex is assuming something else. ??

Thanks

6

Plex only assumes it can write to the containing directory, create the sub directory “optimized_versions” when it’s optimizing and then write into that directory.

Is this freenas (BSD) or Linux?

if you want to test, Create a username with matching UID/GID of Plex.
Now you can , via the shell, emulate what PMS will do with simply ‘echo’ and ‘mkdir’ commands.

Supplemental: Do you have NFS service capability?

7

Let me update this so we can close it.

Based on your suggestion, I simplified the configuration and added a second virtual disk which is local and dedicated to the VM running plex. What I found was regardless recursive permissions or ownership, I ran into access problems until I removed ‘Plex Versions’ directory and had plex start over. So, not sure why, but it now works.

To answer your question about NFS. Yes I could use NFS, but I have other systems running Windows that access the same library and NFS for Windows performance is very poor - in my experience.

So, all is working except the very small percentage of content which is causing a problem - which is in another thread.

Thanks.