I have been running plex successfully for 2 years. I needed to relocate the device i run plex on and when i tried to access by server it was not available.
I have attempted multiple suggestions to reconnect to my server but i have just made things worse. To the point where i cannot even access plex on that device.
I had resigned myself to completely uninstalling Plex and starting over a rebuilding a new server but i cannot even do this and my laptop just revert to the old account when i reinstall.
As an extra problem, i cannot download the plex media server software from the laptop that is hosting the server, i receive an error but if i do this from my desktop all the software is there available to download
I have just found that i cannot even log into Plex using an in private browser. I recieve an unknown error has occurred
The original request is difficult to troubleshoot because it focuses on the user’s frustration rather than specific technical events.
Here is exactly what is missing or confusing in the original post:
Ambiguous Device Roles
Host vs. Client: It is unclear if the “laptop” is the original server, a new server, or just a machine trying to access a server hosted elsewhere.
The “Desktop” Variable: Introducing a desktop computer adds confusion. It is unclear if the user is trying to move the server to the desktop, or just using the desktop to download files.
Missing Network Context
The “Relocation” Definition: The word “relocate” is vague. Did they move the laptop to a different room on the same Wi-Fi, or to an entirely new house with a new router and internet provider?
IP Address Changes: Plex relies heavily on local IP addresses. There is no mention of whether the laptop received a new local IP address after the move.
Missing Technical Specifications
Operating System: Troubleshooting a stuck installation or a browser login error requires knowing if the laptop runs Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Error Messages: Saying “I receive an error” or “unknown error” gives helpers nothing to search for. The exact text or error codes are missing.
Unclear History of Changes
The “Suggestions” Attempted: The user states they “made things worse” by trying multiple suggestions, but does not list what they actually changed (e.g., deleting registry files, altering router ports, changing network settings).
Incomplete Uninstall: The user does not realize that uninstalling Plex via standard menus leaves behind the AppData folder and registry keys, which is why it keeps reverting to the old account.
You are correct i am very frustrated and understand my lack of knowlege
I will try to address your comments
My laptop is the device that i use for my plex library running windows 10 and it is my original server location. I relocated it to a different room due to a change in my broadband provider. I presume the change in provider would also have lead to a IP address change. This was probably the initial problem. That i failed to correct.
The desktop machine is running windows 11. It has been used to download files from plex web page to install on my laptop. I have had to do this because the laptop when accessing the download page in the plex web page displays an error
“something went wrong The Plex media server list of apps is not available at this time. Please try reloading or try again later”
This error reoccurs constantly but i can access the files using a different machine (the desk top I mentioned).
Regarding the unknown error i mentioned. This is the exact message that i receive when I attempt to log into plex in a private window on the laptop containing my server. I enter my email and my password and it brings up the message
“An unknown error occured”
One of the things i tried was deleting four items from the registry, plexonlinehome, plexonlinemail, plexonlinetoken, plexonlineusername.
I did not do anything with ports.
The network settings would have changed when i switched broadband providers.
Additionally i have managed to unauthorize my server.
Could you please advise the best way to proceed. If this means rebuilding the server i will do this but is it possible to do this with my existing account details or would i need to close this account and reregister,
You mention changing providers and probably getting a new ip address for your server laptop. Check the network settings for that laptop and verify the connection is set to private and not public.
