Computer - Windows Server 2019 with all the latest patches.
I have been using my setup for years with 0 problems. 2-3 weeks ago I noticed that Plex stops randomly throughout the day. I have to go onto my computer and double click “Plex Media Server.exe” to get it started again.
I have tried updating it to the latest version. I have scanned for viruses/malware. No matter what I do it always stops.
My computer has no keyboard/mouse/monitor. It only has a power and network cable. I RDP into it if I need to manage it. I don’t logout, I disconnect from the RDP session when I’m finished.
This setup has been rock solid for almost 2 years. Now it’s driving me and my family crazy. Every time we go to watch something I get the error “No plex server”. I have to then go get on my computer, RDP into the plex server and double click “Plex Media Server.exe”.
Anything I can do to fix it so plex doesn’t stop all the time?
When you RDP into your headless server. Is Plex service completely stopped? Or does it show like it’s there but not running properly? Have you looked at the logs yet?
I am having the exact same issue except on windows server 22. I’ve been using Plex for many many years without issue. All of a sudden Plex server crashes now after a show or two. I have to constantly get up and reset the server. For me the icon still shows but the webpage nor clients can hit it. I manually force close it and try to get it going by icon again and it won’t work no matter what. I have to literally reboot the server after every show or two. Infuriating!
My current setup has been running perfect for almost 2 years. This started a few weeks ago. The only thing to change is the Plex version. I may see if I can roll back versions. GO back like 6 months and see if the problem is still happening.
Yea I would love to go back, is it as simple as just reinstalling using an older one? I have a backup service running on my server so I can easily restore old copies if it messes up on mine. I’m thinking maybe a Plex version from 3-4months ago? Do they have a repository with older copies?
@C0rdKatter From the logs I am seeing, nothing is screaming as the root cause, but do you use the DRV? I know plex has had an issue with the DVR and crashing, not sure if that has been fixed yet or not.
@dbirch Yes … I use an HD HomeRun Quattro… I also have PlexDVRWaker so it wakes up my WIndows Plex Media Server to do its recording…
This has been running fine since 2020… until maybe around March or April… I always do the Server Update when prompted.
WakeOnLan also works still – Plex Media Server Windows PC comes back from sleep when I want to play something from another PC or iPad… But sometimes - Plex Media Server would not be available… On the server, the icon is gone - Plex Media Server simply is gone and I had to start it back again manually
@C0rdKatter I can’t say downgrading is a fix. I just downgraded. Have to wait and see if Plex Media Server stops. I’ll know by tomorrow for sure. The problem happens several times a day.
@dbirch Sometimes downgrading or rolling back versions is 100% the solution. I work in enterprise IT and vendors release bad software, firmware and drivers all the time. We have to roll back to the last known good version and wait for the vendor to release a fixed version. My changes at work will never be approved without a rollback plan if the upgrade causes problems.
Right now I am experiencing a problem where Plex Media Server is randomly stopping forcing me to go manually start it again. I noticed it started with Plex Media Server version 1.27.x. I have downgraded to 1.26.x. So far everything is stable, but I want to give it a day to make sure.
I have also uploaded my logs. If the problem isn’t related to the version I would like to know.
