Paid Help: Migration from Windows 7 to Either Windows 10 or Server 2019 help

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Hi All. I was wondering if I could get some assistance with migrating my Plex server from windows 7 to windows 10 or Server 2019/2016 (which ever is recommended as the better host for a plex server)

I’ve tried to do this myself following the guides on the FAQ and the forums. However I must be missing something as it doesn’t keep any history of the current setup. It has all of the media but is as though it is a new setup.

I’m willing to “donate some funds” to anyone willing to help with a more hands on approach(I can provide access to all hosts (win 7 and win10/server2019/2016)

Thank you to all in advance and I look forward to hearing back from anyone able/willing to help.

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On the same machine or on a different machine?

Different machine:

  1. Attach an external hard drive, formatted with the NTFS(!) file system
  2. shut down plex server with its tray icon
  3. export the registry branch of Plex and save the exported file on the external hard drive
  4. copy the Plex data folder in its entirety to the external hard drive
  5. Install Plex server on the new machine and test it with a few files, just to make sure it is running
  6. attach the external hard drive to the new machine
  7. stop/quit/exit plex server on the new machine, in case it is running
  8. copy the contents of the old Plex data folder to the default location on the new machine, thereby overwriting those which were created there from the test run
  9. import the backed up registry settings
  10. Make sure that all media file locations use the same drive letters and folder names as they did on the old machine
  11. start plex server on the new machine
  12. never run plex server on the old and the new machine simultaneously!

optional: in step 8 you can opt to use a different location for the new Plex data folder.
This can be a separate hard drive or SSD drive.
It must not be a network share and it has to be formatted with the NTFS file system.
Then follow this procedure from step 4 on: Moving Metadata on Windows

The benefit of this is that you will find your metadata folder more easily. If you use a dedicated hard drive for it, it will be very easy to migrate to the next machine in the future or save the plex data in case of a re-installation of the OS.

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Thank you for the quick reply.

It’s on a different computer (virtual machine)

I have tried the steps provided before. I will try to give them another go.

What would you recommend in terms of operating system? Windows 10 or a windows server instance?

Thank you again

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Step 2 above is crucial, or you will end up with an invalid database. This makes it appear as if no libraries do exist in the backup.

I’d say this is a matter of personal preference. If you are comfortable with the server editions, by all means use them.

If you can avoid virtualization, don’t use it. It won’t improve performance, nor makes it things easier to handle.

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Thank you.

Why do you say avoid virtualisation?

I understand it won’t improve anything but will it hinder performance? Are there any other reasons to avoid virtualisation?

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Virtualisation adds complexity and a whole bunch of potential trouble-sources.
And there is also a performance-penalty to be paid.

To employ virtualisation just for the sake of it is not wise.

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Hi,

I am currently completing the backup and migration and i will notify you of the status shortly.

thank you for your help so far, it’s very appreciated.

1 Like
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Hi,

This has worked successfully,

Thank you for helping me. I have also taken your advice and moved the Data onto a second drive.

I have however used a Virtual Machine as i had no other option.
Its pretty powerful though and haven’t had any issues the past 5 years running plex.

Thank you again.

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