Admittedly, this is problem a problem I have created, but I have not been able to get my Plex media server to start for several days, now.
I first noticed it when I moved my PC from the office to home. I had added a couple of hard drives to the system that already had several video files, and I tried to open the server UI to add those files to the respective “Movies” and “Shows” titles, but the server refused to open.
I initially tried downloading the latest version and “Repairing” the server, but that didn’t help. I then tried uninstalling completely, and reinstalling, but that also seems to do nothing.
This is not a situation where the server is running, but I simply cannot see it. I know that several people have found it running in the taskbar without their knowledge. I have checked the processes and services, and there seems to be nothing related to Plex running at all.
if it is crashing out on launch and not staying up in task manager, then could be one of the following reasons:
Local App Data Path for Plex Media Server in the registry is no longer valid (drive letters changed etc)
Database corrupt (Plex Media Server.log will show this)
TCP ports 32400 / 32401 in use by other program
So check the registry if there is a LocalAppDataPath defined and if there is, is it correct?
RegEdit and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Plex, Inc.\Plex Media Server
This machine was looking for a drive that was no longer present. The registry entry at “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Plex, Inc.\Plex Media Server” was looking for “b:\plex.”
I changed it to “e:\plex,” and all is apparently well, now.
Thanks for your quick reply.
I tried installing Emby and Kodi, and neither of them come close to offering the same functionality and user experience of Plex.
Glad to be back in business.
Maybe one of the developers could look into adding some lines of code to give users an option to select the correct path in the event that the app data is misdirected or otherwise missing. Nothing wrong with a little polish.
Apologies for tagging onto this, but I have had the same issue for months (since upgrading PC to Windows 10). I use a Roku but my PC can no longer communicate with it, I also used a basic media streaming app. I was advised to switch to Plex, hence I am here.
For the last few months I have spent hours trying to sort this out. I have the same issue as above.
Info:
Windows 10 32-bit (latest patch)
Firefox browser (latest patch)
Download Plex Media Server = successful
Install PMS = successful
Icon appears in system tray = successful - BUT, then it disappears as soon as you move cursor over it
Devices = No PMS , just Plex Update Service (Running)
Registry = No log file for Plex (have done a thorough search)
Uninstalled and reinstalled software more times that I can remember - restarted PC each time
Also uninstalled and/or repaired the software too
Got loads of stuff on my PC HDD and on my NAS but Plex cannot detect the server. I have tried downloading the NAS and the Windows versions to see if one would work inplace of the other, but have the exact same issue. Have tried so many different forum topics for advice, so if anyone knows the quick answer to this I would be eternally grateful.
@dunners73 said:
Icon appears in system tray = successful - BUT, then it disappears as soon as you move cursor over it
Three possible causes for this - it is basically an exit after launch - the first is the most likely cause
You had in the past installed and run Plex Media Server and set the Local App Data Path for Plex Media Server to a specific path and this path no longer exists
Another program is using tcp port 32400 or 32401
Plex Media Server database is corrupt
To check the first, have a look at this registry area HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Plex, Inc.\Plex Media Server and look for an entry named LocalAppDataPath - delete it and launch Plex Media Server
@sa2000 - thank you, I did see this on the previous post and tried it all before posting today. There is no ‘LocalAppDataPath’ entry in my registry (see attached image) :
. I also did a full search of the registry and nothing came up.
I have never had Plex running on this computer as previously I used a really basic media centre (PlayOn) - I had Swiss Centre before that. Any other ideas?
I really think it is time that Plex offer a Portable Option during Install and as a Launch parameter so it is easy to move and migrate installations when needed.
And this should be an option during install just so Plex doesn’t create a bunch of useless files on the system drive.
This is suggesting some other app has tcp port 32401. Listen for 32400 was ok but no entry for 32401 and the error is logged instead
Oct 07, 2016 22:41:10.242 [9588] DEBUG - Listening on port 32400 with queue of 2147483647 connections.
Oct 07, 2016 22:41:10.289 [9588] ERROR - Error: Unable to set up server: listen: An attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions (class boost::exception_detail::clone_impl<struct boost::exception_detail::error_info_injector<class boost::system::system_error> >)
could you start a cmd.exe window with right click Run As Administrator and then type this command
netstat -a -b > %LocalAppData%\Netstat_2016-10-08a.txt
and on completion (may take a while), upload file %LocalAppData%\Netstat_2016-10-08a.txt
Thank you. It is as you said with the other check - nothing appears to be using tcp port 32401
But - we are failing to listen on it
listen: An attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions
(class boost::exception_detail::clone_impl<struct boost::exception_detail::error_info_injector<class boost::system::system_error> >)
The Windows Error code is WSAEACCES 10013 (0x271D)
You could look into if it is AVG that is blocking this.
What firewall is running ? The netstat showed presence of avg
So first eliminating firewall / anti virus
and if still unresolved, searching the web for the error and see what advice there is.
There is one here that refers to some third party app NetBalancer being responsible.
Do you have any neywork bandwidth control packages installed?
@Sa2000 thank you so much for this, I will look into AVG. I also run Checkpoint FW but have already set Plex to Trusted. I dont use AVG or Windows FW and no I do not have any network bandwidth control packages (that I know of). Thanks so much for your help, its nice to know its not just me being a ‘user’. Its been driving me mad for months. If I manage to get to the bottom of it, I will post my findings in case they might help some other poor schmuck going through the same problem.
It may well be Checkpoint Firewall blocking use of tcp port 32401. Firewalls have separate rules for ports and programs
There is also possibility of AVG - although I have used AVG before and there were no such errors. Checkpoint firewall is not very common amongst plex users and I am guessing it could be the cause.
@Sa2000 thank you so much for this, I will look into AVG. I also run Checkpoint FW but have already set Plex to Trusted. I dont use AVG or Windows FW and no I do not have any network bandwidth control packages (that I know of). Thanks so much for your help, its nice to know its not just me being a ‘user’. Its been driving me mad for months. If I manage to get to the bottom of it, I will post my findings in case they might help some other poor schmuck going through the same problem.
@kosstheory said:
Admittedly, this is problem a problem I have created, but I have not been able to get my Plex media server to start for several days, now.
I first noticed it when I moved my PC from the office to home. I had added a couple of hard drives to the system that already had several video files, and I tried to open the server UI to add those files to the respective “Movies” and “Shows” titles, but the server refused to open.
I initially tried downloading the latest version and “Repairing” the server, but that didn’t help. I then tried uninstalling completely, and reinstalling, but that also seems to do nothing.
This is not a situation where the server is running, but I simply cannot see it. I know that several people have found it running in the taskbar without their knowledge. I have checked the processes and services, and there seems to be nothing related to Plex running at all.
There are also no error messages.
Any suggestions?
@kosstheory said:
Admittedly, this is problem a problem I have created, but I have not been able to get my Plex media server to start for several days, now.
I first noticed it when I moved my PC from the office to home. I had added a couple of hard drives to the system that already had several video files, and I tried to open the server UI to add those files to the respective “Movies” and “Shows” titles, but the server refused to open.
I initially tried downloading the latest version and “Repairing” the server, but that didn’t help. I then tried uninstalling completely, and reinstalling, but that also seems to do nothing.
This is not a situation where the server is running, but I simply cannot see it. I know that several people have found it running in the taskbar without their knowledge. I have checked the processes and services, and there seems to be nothing related to Plex running at all.
