PC restarts when editing and syncing my library

[djraptorxs]

Server Version#: 1.42.2.10156-f737b826c
Player Version#: 1.110.0.351-4e48eb83-x86_64
<If providing server logs please do NOT turn on verbose logging, only debug logging should be enabled>

I am having an issue with my PC consistently and predictably restarting when I edit my library and attempt to sync with Server. This occurs when I run the Plex Player app from both the directly-downloaded installer and the app available from Microsoft Store. It also happens when accessing Plex through a web browser. Scouring the web and forums has presented me with a few potential causes. But, I still cannot remedy the issue after trying fixes. Before I delve into what I have tried, I must offer the disclaimer that I am a noob to Plex and have little to no experience with Linux command lines or Windows Powershell/Terminal. Elevated Command Prompt has been the only interface I am at least somewhat competent in navigating

From other forums describing a similar problem, I understand that my issue could likely result from faulty/malfunctioning hardware or a corrupt library database. To that end, these troubleshooting steps are what I have attempted thus forth:

1. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, sfc /scannow commands
2. Hardware testing to include: basic RAM test, HDD (mechanical) testing w/ CrystalDisk & HD Tune Pro, GPU-Z monitor, CoreTemp monitor
3. Making sure drivers and Windows Updates are current
4. Backing up my library database file and running it through the DBrepair tool
5. Uninstalling both Plex Media Server and Plex Player app and reinstalling both from scratch, restoring all of my data to PMS from a backup I had created
6. Disabling automatic and periodic library scans within Settings

My setup is:

• Ryzen 5900X @ 4.20 GHz via Precision Boost (up from previous 3.90 GHz)

  Asus ROG X570 Dark Hero

  128 Gb DDR4 @ 3600Hz thru FCLK

  RTX 3900 XC3 FTW @ stock

  PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD 2 TB x2 (system drive & separate game drive)

  WD Easystore 24 TB external USB 3.0 HDD (library drive)

  Windows 11 Pro 25H2

  Several other USB 3.0 HDDs for various storage

Nothing is reporting any errors with any of the previously-mentioned tools I have used. I have examined Event Viewer but only have seen nonspecific critical “fatal hardware error[s]” that seem to coincide with the unexpected restarts of my PC. I am unsure of whether my hardware is to blame or if the error is triggered by a software process.

Concerning the potential for database corruption, I have done my best to follow the instructions presented in the FAQ on this site. But, I am a bit lost. Watching a YT vid showed a guy repairing his database file. But, I had a hard time following his process with a Linux terminal despite having a vague idea of the big picture. I don’t recall what I finally did. But, I was able to run the “PRAGMA integrity_check” command within Command Prompt, and my database showed as “ok".” My use of the Windows DBrepair tool and uninstall/reinstall of PMS/PP were last ditch efforts. Though, the reboot problem still persists when I attempt to edit my library and re-sync it. I am unsure of how to retrieve the log files for uploading but will provide if I can figure out how to locate them.

Once again, I am a noob on many levels here and have accomplished the previously-mentioned tasks mostly by following directions. Could someone with a better understanding offer any advice in solving this issue? I just bought Plex Pass and really want to make the most of it. Thanks in advance!

[BanzaiInstitute]

A RAM test might show a problem, but if it does not show a problem, it doesn’t prove there is not one. A better way to test RAM is, if you can, remove all but 1 stick and re-test.

But in my experience, unexpected reboot problems are most often due to a problem with the power supply. The next candidate, at least on Windows in my experience, is a messed up video driver. You could try one of those video driver cleaner utilities to wipe it out and reinstall it.

If RAM and video aren’t the problem… If you have a spare hard drive I would install Win 11 and the bare minimum required drivers. Install PMS and see if this new install misbehaves too. If so, it is likely some other hardware. If not, it is likely software.

Good luck!

[djraptorxs]

Thank you for your response. It seems my issue may, perhaps, stem from a RAM fault. Gonna run Memtest86 shortly. Of note, I dialed my Core Ratio back so my CPU is running at 3900mhz. This seems to allow me to edit/sync my Plex library without my PC restarting. Still, I will investigate my RAM, as it finally threw an Event 1202. I wonder how long this has been a problem. More curiously, I wonder how I haven’t had other issues. The restarts have been the only symptom. Nonetheless, I believe I owe Plex the credit for making me aware that I have a hardware problem.

[djraptorxs]

It turns out I did have a bad stick. I was able to isolate it by following your suggestion and running Memtest86. Oddly enough, I had a M.2 completely fail 1 month ago. During the investigation, I also noticed that one of my GPU fans only spins up briefly during POST and then ceases to function l, even under manual control. Now, I’m a bit apprehensive that the PSU could be at the center of the problems. Though, removing the faulty DIMM and changing GPUs seem to have fixed the shutdown issue. Praying that my PSU isn’t faulty.

Thanks for the advice!

[BanzaiInstitute]

Glad you got it sorted out!

IMHO it is unlikely that the PSU is causing downstream problems like that… But I cannot say it’s impossible. I hope things remain stable for you.

[OttoKerner]

Flaky PSUs can cause all sorts of freaky behavior.
Don’t skimp on them, don’t spec them too weak.

[djraptorxs]

Yeah, I went for a 1000 G5 Supernova EVGA 80+ Gold when I built my machine a few years ago. I figured it was a pretty good option. Hopefully, a power surge or worn out fan bearings haven’t caused it to fail.