Server Version#: Version 1.20.4.3517
Hello,
Western Digital has recently announced Upgrading their WD My Cloud OS 3 to OS 5. It is a major upgrade, which according to WD demands re-installing 3rd app. In my case reinstalling PLEX server
My WD drive which runs PLEX server Version 1.20.4.3517 is WD My Cloud PR2100 with OS 3.
How can I backup PLEX configuration and its Database in OS 3, and restore it in OS 5?
I have a lot of media in PLEX. In some of it I put my own metadata.
Thanks,
Oded
I did this about two weeks ago. The upgrade doesnāt affect your Plex server. Youāre still able to access OS3 using your serverās IP address for admin functions but the media is now able to be accessed through mycloud.com. It gets a bit confusing so make sure you have all of your user account passwords figured out.
Hi Joel,
Many thanks for your answer.
You said āThe upgrade doesnāt affect your Plex serverā¦ā, well that lovely, however did you have to reinstall the PLEX server again (as WD stated) in the OS 5?
You said āYouāre still able to access OS3 using your serverās IP address ā¦ā thatās fine as I do use my serverās IP to access it, however you probably meant OS 5, not OS3, right? (the OS 3 firmware is replaced by the OS 5 after upgrading). If not I am afraid I am missing something.
Please clarify.
You will have to reinstall the app but it didnāt seem to be any different than a simple Plex version upgrade. Redownload whatever version of Plex that is immediately available on your WD via the the app catalog then Plex should offer the upgrade the next time you login. As far as OS3, they often referred to the IP login as OS3. WD is confusing in general but it could be worse.
I am new to Plex. I have a WD PR2100 with OS5 installed. How do I perform the install? Would that go on the server or through Windows 10?
Also what is the best way to get .AVI files to play. I have a ton of family movies. Would this Plex soft ware be beneficial or is there any program to use or even buy
Thanks
I recently installed my cloud OS5 on my MyCloud EX4100. After doing so I noticed that plex was no longer working. I saw that I need to install the OS 5 version of PMS and it should migrate my OS 3 PMS. However, even after upgrading I cannot access my server. I tried to load a back up but i get errors when trying to rename various files i.e. ācanāt rename ācom.plexapp.plugins.library.blobs.db-shmā: Structure needs cleaningā
Iām not sure how to proceed. If i canāt rename/delete the files I canāt even do a fresh install of PMS and rebuild. Any help would be appreciated.
Server Version#:1.21.0.3711
MyCloud Firmware Version: 5.06.115
hi @ebrunnettI have sent you a PM.
I just noticed today the new OS5 on MyCloud PR2100. I am afraid to upgrade because have a lot of media in PLEX. I saw mix comments on this post about Plex server being affected. Are there instructions somewhere to properly do this with Plex in mind?
Hi rsantia2.
āAre there instructions somewhere to properly do this with Plex in mind?ā
I didnāt find any. However, I have been in the same doubts as you are now. Luckily for you, I already upgraded just a week ago (Jan, 8th 2021), thus glad to share it with you. I will do it as Q&A to make it clearer.
Q1- What is my drive?
A1 ā I have WD MycloudPR2100.
Q2 ā When does the orange notice for upgrading from OS3 to OS5 appear?
A2 ā it appears only if you are at the latest version of OS3 Firmware. That is to say, if WD is releasing a newer OS3 firmware than your current OS3, that notice will disappear. Upgrade to the latest version of the OS3 firmware will cause the notice to reappear. DO verify to be at the latest OS3 firmware!
Q3 ā Do I use PLEX?
A3 ā Yes, intensively. I own a PLEX PASS license. I do have a lot of media. Naturally, as you are, I also was afraid that the upgrade to OS5 will harm it. Well, it did not.
Q4 ā What about backing up the PLEX media that resides in PR2100 before upgrading?
A4 ā For me it is not practical as I have so much, and do not have enough space at home to back up to. Further, if you update manually the PLEX media meta data, then backing up the media will not do as the meta data (in case of failure) will be lost. The right way is to back up from PLEX point of view, but as mention, I do not have enough space.
Q5 ā Is there a technical difference between PLEX on OS3 with that on OS5?
A5 ā Yes, you have to install PLEX code that is suitable for OS5. So, how to know? Well, PLEX code for OS3 looks like:
PlexMediaServer-1.20.4.3517-ab5e1197c-MyCloudPR2100.bin
PLEX code for OS5 looks like:
PlexMediaServer-1.21.1.3876-3c3adfcb4-MyCloudPR2100_ OS5. bin
Q6 ā Did I consult with WD about PLEX and backing it up before upgrading to OS5?
A6 Yes, but they could not help with PLEX and refer me to PLEX support. PLEX, as you know, does not allow to open support case. They refer you to the PLEX Forum.
WD did note that after migrating to OS5 you have to reinstall all 3rd applications. This includes PLEX.
Q7 ā With that in mind, did my upgrade from OS3 to OS5 harm PLEX database and my media that resided in OS3?
A7 - No.
Q8 ā So, when and how to install PLEX? Where to start?
A8 ā First, migrate from OS3 to OS5. Do the all process till the end, up to step (18) āSetup Completeā.
I used the following link:
My Cloud OS 5: How to Update From My Cloud OS 3
Second, Log into the My Cloud dashboard, click the Apps tab, find the PLEX square in the list.
OS5 Installation comes with PLEX for OS5 packed with it, so just click āInstallā.
You will go through a process of installing PLEX, and It will find your media and connect to it. After PLEX installation complete, Connect to PLEX with your browser.
You should find all your media in PLEX untouched.
Disclaimer: With all the good willing to assist, the information above is on ASIS basis. If you have further questions before starting, go on and ask.
P.S
Once PLEX in OS5 has been installed, upgrading it will be as usual as it was in OS3
Thanks for your write up odednun. If PLEX acts the same as OS3, would you say there is any benefit? I have 2 WD4100s so very worried.
I assume you ask if the PLEX functionality is the same on OS3 and OS5. If so, then YES. PLEX uses the OS platform to run but its internal functions are the same. I did not see any change on PLEX.
The question, though, if to upgrade to OS5, should you decide to remain at OS3 level still remains.
The following link explains why WD wants you to upgrade:
https://support-en.wd.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29382/related/1
As for your worry, well I do understand 
, especially if you lack the skills for such activities. Being with a lot of experience, I do notice that WD tries hard to make the upgrade simple. Yet, simple for me not necessary is simple for you.
If you still feel the need of assistance, it might be better to address me in a private channel.
Very decent of you to take the time to publish such concise information of your own experiences 
Iāve been putting this upgrade off for some time due to the unclear nature of whether Plex Media Server is compatible as well as what appeared to be many users having very mixed experiences. I have a PR4100 so I am just wondering if there would be any real difference in from your PR2100 - I suspect not but thought I would ask the question firstā¦?
Thanks your Q/A was helpful. 
i also was worried and putting this off for some time. However I finally updated my WD PR2100 last night to OS5. the only issue i am having now is with the plex OS5 update i lost my libraries. I now have to add back each! Not sure if possible to backup/copy library before?
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