Plex will not play a particular movie

Plex Players Streaming Devices
1

My Plex app works great at communicating with my Plex server running atop Windows 10. All of my movies play fine except for one. I suspect that the database record for this particular movie is corrupt because the file size changed after I began watching it.

Here’s what I did:

  1. I copied my MP4 into my Plex app’s movie location on my harddrive.

  2. I began watching the MP4, but did not finish it.

  3. I renamed the MP4 because I didn’t like the thumbnail.
    (movie still played)

  4. I replaced the MP4 with a longer version of the same file.
    (moving no longer plays)

Every time I try to play this MP4, Plex shows a black screen. The play bar and time index remain at zero. I can fast forward 30 seconds at a time (still black screen) but when I resume play, the time index returns to zero and nothing happens.

I believe I can resolve the problem by removing the MP4, removing the DB record, and importing the MP4 again one time (like every other movie in my collection).

How can I locate the database record to remove it?

Thanks! :slight_smile:

2

Did you re-run the ‘Scan Library Files’ command after replacing the file?

If that doesn’t resolve it, there’s no need to edit the database directly. Simply remove the file, then run “Scan Library Files” (this will remove the db record). Then put the file back in its original location and run “Scan Library Files” again.

If that still doesn’t resolve it, do the “Plex Dance” for a more thorough cleanup.

3

Thanks for the info.

I’ve tried Scan Library Files, Update Libraries, and the Plex Dance. I’ve even tried rebuilding the MP4, just in case it was corrupted. No joy here.

If I rename the MP4, Plex still pulls down the corresponding internet information. Therefore, I’m left with the suspicion that something remains in the database.

4
5

This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.