Server Version#: 1.18.1.1973-0f4abfbcc
Player Version#: 2.44.0.1018-8f77cbb9
PIA app: v1.5.1 (build 03605)
Windows 10 (1903)
I am running my plex server on a windows 10 machine. The server and player are on the same machine. I am running the Private Internet Access (PIA) app to manage my VPN. I Have the standard port forwarded on my router (32400). Without PIA running my server is available when I check the settings page and I can confirm access with my cell phone off wifi without the VPN turned on.
I have added plexmediaserver.exe to the exceptions list in the PIA app.
When I turn the vpn on, I can still use the plex media player app on the same machine, but my Plex Media Server is no longer accessible outside my network (confirmed by using my phone off wifi), in fact the settings page will not load/refresh on the server page in the browser on the server machine. I restarted my router and my PC. Still not accessible if the VPN is on. I tried changing the port on my router and plex to match the port forward provided by PIA from the PIA app. Still not visible to the outside world. I tried accessing the server using my local IP, the VPN IP, and 127.0.0.1 in the browser. Still could not get the settings page to load.
I also tried adding the link from the start menu for Plex Media Server as well as every .exe in the PlexMediaServer folder to the exemption list, which made no difference whatsoever.
As soon as I turn the VPN off, everything works (with my router port forwarded to 32400).
It’s troublesome 'cause you have to use the Port Forwarding Feature of PIA and in order to do that you have to connect to a PIA Hub that supports that - and there aren’t many. Unfortunately I never could get it work right.
Something has changed at PIA or Plex. 18 months ago I had no issues while PIA was on - now I just can’t get it to work.
I turn on PIA when I need it, then shut it off. Our Options seem very limited - as there aren’t any.
For the record, I am connected to a hub that supports port forwarding. If I weren’t, the port would not be displayed. As far the exemption, that happens locally. There is no need for the hub to support anything. The data from the exempt app isn’t even sent to PIA, hence the ‘exemption’.
Well, the exemption setting has only been available in the latest build… But nevertheless I’m sorry that you haven’t been able to get it working. Maybe someone else has. Not like it’s impossible… Might just have to wait until it’s out of beta.
If anyone has has success with the newest build, I’d love to hear from you!
…as of 5 minutes ago I started having success with the newest build.
…could be a fluke.
I didn’t have the newest build - 'cause about 18 months ago I upgraded the client - from the previous ancient version to the ‘New and Improved’ version 1.0 or something. Almost immediately there was an upgrade - that didn’t work. Support said I should roll back to 1.0 for a while. A year later…
After a day or two of the run-around when asking the question:
“Is is safe to upgrade the client now for Windows 10”
Then having them apologize, and saying they’re sorry for me wanting to cancel, politely directing me to the area where I would cancel… and me scratching my head - I decided the person I was in contact with didn’t speak English.
I upgraded the client.
I now see what you were talking about with the exemptions. Tried that, complete 3 layer fail cake. Disabled all of that and rebooted the machine - only way to get Plex out of a 404.
Making sure Plex was back up, local and remote - with my non-standard forwarded port (5 years old - ain’t broke, don’t fix it).
Pia client:
Privacy - Killswitch off, Mace on
Network - pia dns, app exlusions off, allow lan traffic on, request port forwarding off
Connection - UDP, Remote Port Default, Local Port Auto, Proxy None, blablabla - stock with ‘Try Alternate Settings’ enabled.
As I write this I keep opening the refrigerator door and
The Light Stays On…:
As of about October 1st I was notified by the Beta Team at PIA that Split Tunneling by application exemption was being pre-released. Would I be involved. Answer YES, hell yes.
Anyway there were a few issues with Plex that had to be resolved, Version 1.5.1 was released and Plex could gather Metadata again after a few Beta testers reported an issue. Yes I was one of them. The current Version is the result of Beta resolutions. I tested the PIA app for MacOS.
Not a windows guy but all files obtaining to a PMS app I would gather. What i remember from many light years ago, in a far away place, don’t apps in windows have a Master folder. Visible in Icon view
As I ponder this the Cons are stacking up like cord wood when you consider on top of the initial discomfort, the mere act of connecting to a PIA HUB over 1000 miles from here, with a Ping I couldn’t play Classic Doom with, and transfer rates that roll right off the table - even if it worked out of the box nobody would be able to watch anything through it.
I think I’ll let this Plex/PIA marriage fester for a while - and check back in 6 months.
Clearly there are some rather serious hitches in the get-along.
PS: The last time, very recently, I attempted to contact PIA I got a guy who’s only interest was directing me to the place to cancel. I’ll try to avoid that if possible.
